The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has concluded its "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration with the presentation of a petition to the Presidency after marching through the streets of Accra on Thursday, August 6.
Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, party leaders presented separate petitions to the Supreme Court and the Presidency, accusing the government of political persecution, selective justice and the misuse of state institutions.
The protest forms part of the NPP's nationwide "Democracy Under Attack" campaign, which the party says is aimed at drawing attention to what it describes as growing threats to Ghana's democratic governance.
According to the NPP, the demonstration sought to highlight developments it believes undermine the rule of law, judicial independence and public confidence in state institutions.
Among the issues raised in the petitions were the acquittal and discharge of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, and the 20-year prison sentence handed to the party's Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The party argued that these developments raise concerns about the consistency, fairness and impartiality of Ghana's justice system.
Hundreds of supporters, dressed in the party's traditional black and red colours, joined the march, alongside party executives, Members of Parliament, former government officials and grassroots supporters.
At Jubilee House, the petition presentation was briefly delayed after security personnel restricted members of the media from accessing the inner perimeter to cover the event. NPP leaders refused to proceed until journalists were granted access.
The party also declined to immediately hand over the petition when Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah arrived to receive it, insisting they had expected either Chief of Staff Julius Debrah or President John Dramani Mahama to accept the document personally.
The NPP described the absence of the Chief of Staff as a sign of disrespect to the concerns contained in the petition.
Following discussions, however, the party agreed to present the petition to Nana Yaa Jantuah, who assured the delegation that it would be formally delivered to the Presidency.
