Ghana opposition protests over claims of ‘democracy under attack’

Ghana’s main opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has staged protests accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of undermining democracy, restricting free speech and targeting political opponents.

Hundreds of NPP supporters, lawmakers and party leaders marched through Accra wearing red and black, presenting petitions to the Supreme Court, Parliament and the Presidency.

The protest, held under the theme “Democracy Under Attack,” came one year after a helicopter crash that killed eight people, including government officials.

The NPP says recent developments, including court decisions, arrests of opposition members and the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, raise concerns about Ghana’s democratic institutions.

The party criticised the acquittal of former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, arguing that the decision showed unequal treatment in the justice system. The Court of Appeal had overturned her 10-year sentence after ruling that prosecutors failed to prove their case.

The opposition also accused authorities of using security agencies to intimidate its members and limiting freedom of expression through prosecutions of social media users over offensive or false content.

The government has rejected the allegations, saying it remains committed to the rule of law. Officials argue that security agencies are only enforcing laws to protect public order.

The NPP has organised similar demonstrations in the past, including protests over the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and the arrest of one of its regional leaders.