Democracy Under Attack protest: NPP accuses Mahama government of threatening free speech

Ghana's opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused President John Mahama's administration of restricting free speech and targeting critics, during a protest the party described as a defence of the country's democracy.

The party held its "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration in Accra on Thursday, with supporters marching from the Supreme Court to the Jubilee House to express concerns over what they say are threats to democratic freedoms.

Former Member of Parliament for Ngleshie Amanfro, Sylvester Tetteh, who is contesting for the position of NPP General Secretary, said the right to free expression was being weakened under the current government.

"Democracy, the bedrock of every democracy, is free speech," he told Citi News.

"Under John Mahama and the NDC, free speech has been scuttled."

Mr Tetteh alleged that journalists and citizens who criticise the government risk being arrested, arguing that controversial comments should be dealt with through civil remedies rather than criminal action.

"Free speech should not be criminalised under our jurisdiction," he said.

He cited recent arrests linked to comments made on social media, questioning whether statements such as

"Dumsor is back" - a reference to Ghana's intermittent power supply crisis - should lead to prosecution.

"If somebody says 'Dumsor is back', does that amount to criminalisation?" he asked.

The NPP has also raised concerns over what it describes as selective justice and the handling of investigations by

state agencies.

The party's Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, said the demonstration was aimed at demanding fairness, accountability and equal treatment under the law.

"We don't have any intention of gagging state institutions," Mr Ahiagbah said.

"What we are saying is that they must do their work professionally and nobody will complain if they do their work professionally."

He specifically called on the leadership of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to ensure

investigations are conducted without political bias.

Mr Ahiagbah also warned that the use of state institutions against opponents could set a precedent that may affect future governments.

"What is being done today may be repeated tomorrow if they are not mindful," he said.

The protest comes amid wider political tensions following several arrests and investigations involving individuals

accused of making comments considered offensive or threatening towards public officials.

The NPP also criticised the government's response to the Court of Appeal decision that overturned the convictions of former MASLOC chief executive Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, with the party arguing that the subsequent legal challenge by the Attorney General showed the matter remained unresolved.

Hundreds of NPP supporters, party executives and sympathisers joined the demonstration, which began at the Supreme Court before moving through central Accra to the Jubilee House.

The party presented petitions to state authorities calling for what it described as stronger protection of democratic freedoms and the rule of law.

The government has previously said it remains committed to protecting Ghana's democratic institutions and that

law enforcement agencies operate independently.