The New Patriotic Party (NPP), the minority in Ghana’s Parliament, has voiced grave concerns over the escalating insecurity within the nation, calling upon President John Mahama to take immediate and decisive action. They argue that the president’s inaction has emboldened political thugs, creating a climate of fear and lawlessness. This perceived inaction, according to the NPP, has effectively rendered security agencies powerless to address the increasing violence and intimidation targeting innocent citizens. Former Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, speaking on behalf of the minority, painted a bleak picture of a nation teetering on the brink of chaos, where political violence is becoming increasingly normalized. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that a failure to act swiftly and decisively could plunge the country into widespread disorder.
The NPP’s concerns extend beyond the general rise in insecurity to encompass what they perceive as targeted harassment of former officials of their party. Dr. Adam highlighted several recent incidents involving raids on the homes of former NPP officials, characterizing them as violent and reminiscent of military coup-style operations. This, they argue, evokes painful memories of Ghana’s past and creates a chilling effect that undermines the rule of law. The minority contends that these raids, coupled with ongoing investigations targeting former NPP officials, are politically motivated and serve to intimidate and silence dissenting voices.
Further deepening the NPP’s concerns is what they perceive as a stark contrast in the treatment of former officials from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). They accuse the Mahama administration of selective justice, citing instances where former NDC officials facing judicial trials have been cleared of all charges and subsequently rewarded with key positions within the government. This perceived double standard, according to the NPP, reinforces their belief that the current administration is weaponizing the justice system to target political opponents while shielding its own members from accountability. They argue that this selective application of justice undermines the integrity of the legal system and erodes public trust in the government.
The NPP paints a picture of a nation where justice is not blind but rather skewed by political affiliations, echoing the Orwellian allegory of “Animal Farm.” Dr. Adam’s invocation of the phrase “Four legs good, two legs bad” serves to highlight their perception of a two-tiered system of justice, where allegiance to the ruling party determines one’s treatment under the law. This, they argue, creates an environment of impunity for members of the NDC while subjecting members of the opposition to unfair scrutiny and persecution. This perceived politicization of justice, according to the NPP, is a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundations of democracy in Ghana.
The NPP contends that this climate of fear and selective justice is not conducive to a healthy democracy. They argue that it stifles dissent, discourages political participation, and ultimately undermines the stability of the nation. The fear of being targeted for political reasons, they suggest, prevents citizens from freely expressing their views and holding the government accountable. This, in turn, creates a breeding ground for corruption and abuse of power. The NPP’s appeal for presidential intervention is a plea for the restoration of a level playing field, where the rule of law is applied equally to all, regardless of political affiliation.
In their concluding remarks, the NPP reiterated their call for President Mahama to take immediate and decisive action to address the deteriorating security situation and restore law and order. They warned that a failure to act swiftly could have dire consequences for the stability of the nation, potentially leading to widespread unrest and further erosion of democratic institutions. Their urgent appeal underscores the gravity of the situation as they perceive it, and their belief that the future of Ghana’s democracy hangs in the balance. They emphasize that the president has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, and to uphold the principles of justice and equality upon which a stable and thriving democracy depends.
