The People’s National Party (PNP) has petitioned the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urging the global body to closely monitor what it describes as growing concerns over democracy, human rights, political freedoms and the rule of law under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
In a petition dated July 22, 2026, and signed by the party’s Chairperson and Leader, Janet Asana Nabla, the PNP argued that although Ghana has long been regarded as one of Africa’s strongest democracies, recent developments risk undermining the country’s democratic credentials.
The party said it was worried that constitutional governance was being weakened and that a political atmosphere was emerging in which citizens could become afraid to express dissenting views.
According to the PNP, some actions and policies of the current government were creating an environment reminiscent of Ghana’s Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era, during which critics and political opponents allegedly faced intimidation and suppression.
The PNP expressed concern over legislative measures it believes could restrict freedom of speech and discourage citizens from openly criticising those in authority.
It stressed that freedom of expression remains a fundamental pillar of democratic governance, warning that any climate of fear would weaken accountability and good governance.
The petition also highlighted what the party described as worrying trends involving women facing legal action over statements made in the public domain.
The PNP cited the case of Camilla Alhassan, who it said received a one-year prison sentence in connection with a defamation case, as well as ongoing legal proceedings involving Mahama Aminat.
It further alleged that several other women had been remanded over misinformation-related offences.
According to the party, these developments raise important questions about balancing protection of individual reputations with constitutional guarantees of free expression.
The PNP warned that such cases could discourage women and ordinary citizens from participating freely in national discourse.
The party further alleged that opposition politicians were increasingly facing arrests and prosecutions in circumstances perceived to be politically motivated.
As an example, it referenced the arrest of New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicator Miracle Aboagye over allegations involving public funds, expressing concern over reports that his initial bail was set at GH¢50 million despite the alleged amount in question being GH¢5 million.
The PNP argued that bail conditions should be proportionate and should not create an atmosphere of intimidation against political opponents.
The petition also questioned what it described as unequal enforcement of laws relating to illegal mining and financial crimes.
According to the party, there is a public perception that some NDC national executives and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) accused of wrongdoing have not been subjected to the same level of scrutiny as opposition figures.
It further referred to the prosecution and conviction of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, who received a 20-year prison sentence, contrasting that with what it described as the absence of similar prosecutions involving some individuals linked to the ruling party over alleged illegal mining activities.
The PNP maintained that justice must be applied equally regardless of political affiliation, warning that perceptions of selective justice undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
The party also expressed concern over what it termed selective prosecution in cases involving financial losses to the state.
It argued that the discontinuation of some criminal cases involving persons associated with the NDC through nolle prosequi, while prosecutions against opposition figures continued, had raised public concerns about equal treatment before the law.
The petition further claimed that some Ghanaians now perceive the courts as being used to target political opponents.
It cited recent developments surrounding the removal of the Chief Justice and the appointment of a successor by President John Dramani Mahama, saying the process had generated public debate over judicial independence, transparency and due process.
According to the PNP, maintaining public confidence in the judiciary requires that the courts remain independent and be seen as impartial in administering justice.
The PNP also expressed concern about what it described as diminishing public confidence in regional human rights institutions, including mechanisms under ECOWAS and the African Union.
It argued that democracy weakens gradually when citizens become afraid to speak freely, opposition voices are restricted, justice is perceived as unequal and public confidence in institutions declines.
The party warned that women and young people could become discouraged from participating in public life if they fear intimidation, prosecution or harassment.
In its petition, the PNP called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor developments in Ghana relating to democracy and human rights, encourage dialogue among stakeholders, promote protection for journalists, activists, women and opposition voices, and urge the government to uphold its international human rights obligations.
The party also appealed to the UN to support measures aimed at strengthening the independence, impartiality and public confidence in Ghana’s justice system, including the courts and law enforcement agencies.
By 1960news.com
