NPP Submits Petition to Supreme Court and Jubilee House Over Alleged Arbitrary Arrests and Selective Justice

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally submitted petitions to both the Supreme Court and the presidency, raising concerns about what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democracy under the Mahama administration. The party accuses the government of engaging in arbitrary arrests, intimidating political opponents, and practicing selective justice.

The NPP first delivered its petition to the Supreme Court, highlighting concerns over the increasing threats to judicial independence and the rule of law. Following this, the party proceeded to Jubilee House to present a second petition to the presidency.

The presentation at Jubilee House took place during the party’s ‘Democracy Under Attack’ demonstration and was led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. However, the event was initially delayed due to objections from the NPP regarding the level of government representation at the ceremony.

The party criticized the decision to nominate only Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition, despite the presence of senior NPP officials, including the Minority Leader, the party’s General Secretary, and the Chief of Staff to the party’s flagbearer.

“We have chosen to defend our democracy,” Afenyo-Markin stated. “But to nominate only you to receive the petition, despite the presence of other senior officials, is disrespectful to us as a political party.” Despite the objections, the party decided to proceed, with Deputy National Youth Organiser presenting the petition on behalf of the NPP.

In his remarks, Afenyo-Markin warned the government against using state institutions to target political opponents, emphasizing that no party remains in power forever. He criticized the government for abandoning its campaign promises on issues such as job creation, a 24-hour economy, electricity tariffs, and cocoa pricing, accusing it instead of focusing on intimidating critics.

The Minority Leader raised concerns about the imprisonment of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, questioning the circumstances surrounding his conviction. He also criticized the removal of a former Chief Justice, alleging it was part of an effort to influence the judiciary. Furthermore, he accused the government of manipulating judicial processes during court vacations to hear cases involving NPP members.

Afenyo-Markin also condemned the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), accusing it of imposing excessive bail conditions on opposition figures—demanding properties worth millions of cedis before granting bail. He cautioned the government not to assume it will remain in power indefinitely, warning that the NPP could return to office after the 2028 elections.

Referring to an IMF report indicating a loss of GH¢9.6 billion in GoldBod transactions, he emphasized that allegations of financial misconduct against public institutions could be directed at the government in the future.

“Democracy is under attack, and it’s our collective responsibility to take steps to correct this and make Ghana a better place,” he concluded.
Nana Yaa Jantuah received the petition on behalf of the government.