The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, of orchestrating a systematic campaign to suppress democratic rights and engage in political persecution under the guise of fighting corruption.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Wedneday, March 26, NPP Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah stated that recent actions taken by the government, particularly by the Attorney General, were designed to tarnish the image of the former administration rather than genuinely address corruption.
According to the NPP, the government has adopted a media trial strategy instead of allowing legal due process to take its course. “We are concerned about the evident violation of citizens’ democratic rights and the clear strategy of the John Mahama Administration to try individuals accused of potential acts of corruption in the media rather than in the courtroom. This is persecution, not prosecution,” Mr. Ahiagbah said.
The party further accused the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, of deliberately engaging in media trials to create public disaffection towards the NPP. “Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the right to a fair trial, including the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Attorney General, an accomplished lawyer, is aware of this provision but has chosen to disregard it,” the spokesperson added.
The NPP also expressed skepticism about the Attorney General’s reluctance to proceed with court trials despite allegedly possessing strong evidence. “Why is the Attorney General not going to court if he has compelling evidence? Instead, he is holding press conferences to discuss unverified evidence.”
The party further alleged that the government’s ultimate objective is not to fight corruption but to weaken political opposition. “The government is not interested in combating corruption but in persecuting and sowing disaffection against the NPP. This is why the government has positioned Richard Jakpa and others in key positions within the security apparatus to intimidate, harass, and humiliate Ghanaians with impunity,” the party claimed.
The press conference also criticized the 2025 budget, arguing that it reflects misplaced priorities and a lack of commitment to economic transformation. The NPP contended that while President Mahama campaigned on a promise of a 24-hour economy, the budget failed to allocate resources for its implementation.
The party urged Ghanaians to judge the government based on its performance rather than political attacks on opponents.
“Ghanaians will judge this government based on its performance, not on how well it has defamed its political opponents and, in the process, undermined the rights and liberties of citizens.”
