Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | NPP Headquarters, Accra | April 15, 2026 —
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration of weaponising state security agencies and the judiciary to intimidate and silence critics.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra, the NPP General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, alleged that the current government is undermining constitutional freedoms, particularly the right to free speech and expression.
According to him, developments since 2025 point to a pattern of arbitrary arrests, detentions and prosecutions targeting individuals perceived to be critical of the government.
“We came to inform Ghanaians about troubling developments affecting the rule of law, individual liberties and freedom of expression. These actions are a threat to the constitutional order of the country,” he stated.
Mr. Kodua argued that the 1992 Constitution, particularly provisions under Chapter Five and Article 21, guarantees fundamental human rights, including freedom of speech, and must be upheld by all governments.
He further accused President John Dramani Mahama of fostering what he described as an “intolerant governance style” that does not accommodate dissenting views.
The NPP General Secretary cited several instances where individuals, including party members and social commentators, were allegedly arrested and arraigned before courts without due process. He also referenced the case of a party communication officer, Baba Mando, who he claimed was arrested and detained without being informed of the reasons.
Mr. Kodua criticised the leadership of the Ghana Police Service, particularly the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, accusing the police of selectively targeting critics of the government while ignoring similar actions by supporters of the ruling party.
He also expressed concern about what he described as a growing trend of some judges acting as “remand judges,” alleging that the judiciary is increasingly being used to detain government critics rather than protect their rights.
The NPP contrasted the current situation with what it described as a more tolerant environment under the previous administration led by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, where, according to Mr. Kodua, opposition figures were allowed to express dissent without facing arrests.
Calling on the media, civil society organisations and religious bodies to speak up, he emphasised their role in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy.
“You are the fourth estate of the realm. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Constitution is protected,” he said.
Mr. Kodua warned that political power is transient and urged the government to respect democratic principles, cautioning that actions taken today could have future consequences.
The NPP maintained that Ghana must remain committed to constitutional rule and the protection of civil liberties, urging the government to desist from what it described as repressive tactics.
