The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana’s Parliament has vehemently denounced what it perceives as a calculated misuse of state power to target political adversaries. In a press conference held on March 24, 2025, Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, articulated the party’s concerns, arguing that such actions pose a grave threat to the foundations of democracy and the rule of law. The Minority’s condemnation stems from a series of recent incidents involving raids on the residences of former government officials, including the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison. They contend that these actions represent a clear departure from the principles of good governance and due process, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the political landscape.
Central to the Minority’s critique is the accusation that the Attorney-General has exceeded his constitutional authority by directly ordering arrests and prejudging cases before they are presented in court. Shaib questioned the Attorney-General’s assumption of investigative and prosecutorial roles, emphasizing that his mandate is limited to assessing evidence gathered by independent investigative agencies. This blurring of lines, according to the Minority, undermines the impartiality of the justice system, transforming it from an arbiter of law into a tool for political persecution. They warned that such practices could erode public trust in law enforcement institutions and create a chilling effect on political discourse and dissent.
The Minority’s statement further highlighted specific instances of what they consider to be egregious abuses of power. The arrest and public parading of Kwabena Adu Boahene, the former Director of the National Signals Bureau, along with the alleged unlawful raids on the homes of former ministers Ken Ofori-Atta and John Peter Amewu, were cited as emblematic of this troubling trend. These actions, the Minority argued, evoke the repressive tactics of past authoritarian regimes and have no place in a democratic society. They further alleged the use of excessive force by security operatives, including the dismantling of CCTV cameras during the raid on Dr. Addison’s residence, further fueling their concerns about the increasing disregard for due process and individual rights.
The Minority’s pronouncements underscored their deep apprehension about the potential erosion of democratic norms and principles within Ghana. They warned that the government’s actions risk creating a climate of fear and selective justice, where political opponents are targeted while those aligned with the ruling party enjoy impunity. Such a scenario, they argued, would stifle dissent, undermine accountability, and ultimately threaten the stability and progress of the nation. They called for an immediate halt to these alleged intimidation tactics and urged a return to the principles of due process and respect for individual rights.
In their appeal to the broader Ghanaian society, the Minority called upon civil society organizations, the media, and all citizens to hold the government accountable for its actions. They emphasized the importance of a vigilant and engaged citizenry in safeguarding democratic values and ensuring that state institutions operate within the bounds of the law. The Minority’s message resonated with concerns about the potential for political polarization and the instrumentalization of state power for partisan ends. Their call for transparency and accountability reflects a broader desire to uphold the principles of democratic governance and ensure that all citizens are treated equally under the law.
The Minority’s press conference served as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the constant vigilance required to protect them. Their concerns about the potential abuse of state power and the erosion of due process highlight the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all branches of government operate within their constitutional mandates. The call for increased scrutiny and accountability underscores the critical role of civil society and the media in holding power to account and safeguarding the democratic principles upon which Ghana’s governance rests. The Minority’s message serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked power and the importance of maintaining a robust system of checks and balances to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
