NPP petitions presidency over 'threats to democracy
The New Patriotic Party says Ghana's democracy is under threat, accusing the government of selective justice and abuse of state institutions as it presents petitions to the Supreme Court and Jubilee House.
Ghana's main opposition party has presented petitions to the Supreme Court and the presidency, accusing President John Dramani Mahama's administration of political persecution, selective justice and the misuse of state institutions.
The petitions were delivered after hundreds of supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) marched through the streets of Accra in a protest dubbed "Democracy Under Attack".
The party says the demonstration was intended to highlight what it describes as a growing erosion of judicial independence, the rule of law and democratic governance.
Among the grievances cited were the acquittal of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) chief executive Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo and the 20-year prison sentence handed to the NPP's Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.
The NPP argues that these developments raise questions about the consistency and impartiality of Ghana's justice system.
Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the protesters, many dressed in black and red, marched to both the Supreme Court and Jubilee House, the seat of government, where they presented petitions calling for action.
The demonstration was attended by senior party officials, Members of Parliament, former government appointees and supporters.
A brief standoff occurred at Jubilee House after security officials prevented journalists from entering the inner compound to cover the presentation of the petition.
NPP leaders initially refused to proceed, insisting that members of the media should be allowed access.
The party also declined at first to hand over the petition to presidential staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah, saying it had expected either President Mahama or Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to receive the document.
After discussions, the party agreed to present the petition to Ms Jantuah, who assured the delegation that it would be delivered to the president.
The Mahama administration has repeatedly rejected accusations that it is targeting political opponents, maintaining that state institutions are operating independently and in accordance with the law.