The opposition New Patriotic Party has formally petitioned members of the diplomatic community in Ghana over what it describes as growing state-sponsored political persecution, suppression of free speech, and an increasing erosion of democratic freedoms under the current administration.
According to the party’s leadership, the petition was submitted to draw international attention to what it claims are acts of intimidation, harassment, and politically motivated actions targeting opposition figures, activists, and other critics of government.
The NPP argued that recent political developments in the country pose a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials and risk damaging the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
Party officials reportedly presented the petition to several diplomatic missions in Accra, outlining concerns over alleged arbitrary arrests, abuse of state institutions, and what they describe as attempts to silence dissenting voices through intimidation and legal pressure.
The party further claimed that the prevailing political atmosphere is creating fear among citizens while weakening constitutional protections guaranteed under Ghana’s democratic system.
Central to the NPP’s concerns are the recent arrests of several prominent party members and affiliated communicators over allegations related to false news publication and offensive conduct.
Among the most high-profile cases is that of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP.
He was arrested and remanded by an Accra Circuit Court on charges of publishing false news and engaging in offensive conduct likely to breach the peace.
The charges reportedly stem from comments he made concerning the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohonu and a circuit court judge, statements authorities claim were capable of causing fear and public unrest.
In addition to Abronye DC, several NPP-affiliated youth activists, social media communicators, and TikTok content creators have also reportedly been arrested or detained by the Ghana Police Service over viral videos and online comments considered offensive or capable of causing panic.
The opposition party insists that the arrests represent a worrying pattern of political intimidation aimed at silencing critics and discouraging free expression.
However, the NPP maintained that its decision to petition the diplomatic community is not intended to tarnish Ghana’s international image but rather to alert the international community to what it described as dangerous developments threatening the country’s democratic gains.
The party called on development partners, foreign missions, and democracy-focused institutions to closely monitor events in Ghana and encourage adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights, and democratic accountability.
The NPP also urged government to uphold freedom of expression, protect the independence of state institutions, and ensure equal protection for all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
The petition comes at a time of heightened political tension in the country, with increasing exchanges between the governing administration and the opposition over accusations of political victimization, selective justice, and abuse of power.
Government officials have consistently rejected allegations of political persecution, insisting that state institutions, including the police and the judiciary, are operating independently and strictly within the confines of the law.
Nonetheless, the opposition maintains that recent events point to a deliberate and coordinated effort to intimidate political opponents and suppress dissenting opinions.
By 1960news.com
