The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is today, Thursday, August 6, staging its “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration in Accra to protest what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance, the rule of law and constitutional freedoms.
The party says the demonstration is aimed at drawing attention to what it considers growing political persecution, selective justice and the alleged misuse of state institutions under the current administration.
One of the major issues cited by the NPP is the acquittal and discharge of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.
The party has questioned the consistency and impartiality of the justice system following the court’s decision and says the development raises concerns about equal treatment under the law.
The NPP is also protesting what it describes as the arbitrary arrest, detention and harassment of some of its members by state investigative and security agencies.
According to the party, such actions are politically motivated and intended to intimidate opposition members and weaken political participation.
The demonstration is expected to attract party executives, supporters and sympathisers from across the country. It will begin at the forecourt of the Supreme Court in Accra.
As part of the first phase of the protest, NPP leaders are expected to present a petition to the leadership of the Supreme Court. The petition will outline the party’s concerns over recent judicial decisions and call for stronger protection of judicial independence and the rule of law.
The protesters will then embark on a peaceful march through some principal streets of Accra before proceeding to the Jubilee House.
At the Presidency, the NPP leadership is expected to present a second petition to President John Dramani Mahama, calling on him to address what the party describes as growing attacks on democratic institutions and ensure that state agencies operate fairly, independently and without political interference.
The NPP maintains that the demonstration goes beyond the party’s immediate political concerns, arguing that it is also about protecting Ghana’s democratic principles and the constitutional rights and freedoms of all citizens.
Security agencies are expected to deploy personnel along the protest route to maintain law and order, manage traffic and ensure the safety of demonstrators and the general public.
