Sammi Awuku, Member of Parliament for Akwapim North, has launched a scathing critique of the John Mahama administration, accusing it of systematically manipulating the legal system to target opposition leaders and their supporters. Speaking at the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “Yɛn Suro Ahunahuna” protest in Accra, Awuku asserted that the government’s actions constitute a deliberate strategy to suppress dissent and undermine the opposition’s capacity to hold the government accountable. He underscored the principle that injustice anywhere poses a threat to justice everywhere, highlighting what he perceives as a blatant disregard for the equitable application of the rule of law.
Awuku’s primary accusation centers on the alleged double standard employed by the government in handling legal cases involving members of the ruling party versus those affiliated with the opposition. He pointed to instances where high-ranking officials within the ruling party have allegedly made inflammatory statements, even issuing threats of physical harm against opposition figures, yet have faced minimal consequences, often receiving preferential treatment such as being invited for a casual “tea or coffee” and granted bail with ease. In stark contrast, he argued, opposition figures facing similar accusations are subjected to harsh treatment, including incarceration and stringent bail conditions. This disparity, according to Awuku, reveals a deliberate attempt to stifle the opposition’s voice and create an uneven playing field.
Awuku’s argument focuses on the apparent inconsistency in the application of legal procedures and the severity of consequences. He contends that the government’s actions are not isolated incidents but rather reflect a patterned approach designed to intimidate and silence critical voices. He framed this alleged bias as a dangerous erosion of democratic principles, portraying it as a calculated effort to undermine the opposition’s ability to fulfill its crucial role in a democratic society: holding the government accountable.
Furthermore, Awuku commended the resilience demonstrated by young NPP members in the face of what he described as a campaign of harassment and intimidation. He praised their resolve to resist what he termed “oppressors’ rule” and to speak out against injustice. He emphasized their determination not to be silenced by the government’s tactics, portraying them as standing up for democratic principles against a backdrop of escalating oppression. This act of defiance, he suggested, is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.
Awuku’s address serves as a powerful indictment of the Mahama administration’s alleged manipulation of the legal system for political gain. He paints a picture of a government that is increasingly intolerant of dissent and willing to utilize the machinery of the state to suppress opposing viewpoints. By highlighting the perceived disparity in treatment between ruling party members and opposition figures, Awuku seeks to expose what he believes to be a deliberate strategy to dismantle the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy.
His praise for the young NPP members underscores the importance of citizen engagement and resistance in the face of perceived authoritarianism. It frames their actions as a vital defense against the erosion of democratic norms, and a testament to the power of collective action in challenging perceived injustice. Ultimately, Awuku’s message serves as a rallying cry for the protection of democratic principles and a call for accountability in the face of alleged government overreach.
