The New Patriotic Party has petitioned Ghana’s diplomatic community, raising concerns over what it describes as growing “state-sponsored political persecution,” criminalisation of dissent, and weakening democratic freedoms under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
In the petition dated 19 May 2026 and signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the party warned that Ghana’s democratic credentials—long regarded as among the strongest in West Africa—were “under serious threat.”
The petition alleges a pattern of intimidation against opposition figures, journalists, and social media commentators, claiming that state security and prosecutorial agencies are being used to target political critics. It cites what it describes as arbitrary arrests, selective prosecutions, and prolonged detentions linked to political speech.
The NPP pointed to the recent arrest and remand of Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as “Abronye DC,” who is facing charges including offensive conduct and publication of false news. The party argues the case reflects a broader trend of criminalising political expression.
It also listed several individuals it claims have faced similar treatment, including communicators, journalists, and activists, among them Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Paul Adom-Otchere, and others. The party insists these cases demonstrate “a coordinated architecture of political persecution” rather than isolated law enforcement actions.
A key concern raised in the petition is what the NPP describes as the misuse of provisions of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act to prosecute political speech, despite the repeal of criminal libel laws in 2001. The party argues that criticism of public officials should be addressed through civil defamation processes rather than criminal proceedings.
The petition further alleges abuse of state security agencies, including the National Investigations Bureau, Ghana Police Service, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office, through what it calls “Rambo-style arrests” and politically motivated detentions.
It also raises concerns about selective justice, claiming opposition figures are disproportionately targeted while alleged misconduct by ruling party affiliates is overlooked. Additionally, the NPP points to what it describes as growing public concern over judicial independence following recent developments involving the judiciary.
Calling for international attention, the party urged diplomatic missions and development partners to closely monitor Ghana’s human rights situation, engage government authorities, and press for the protection of civil liberties, judicial independence, and due process.
“The Ghanaian people fought too hard and sacrificed too much to escape authoritarianism,” the petition stated, warning against what it described as a “return to a culture of silence.”
The NPP reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional democracy and peaceful political engagement, saying it would continue to pursue redress through lawful and democratic channels.
