The New Patriotic Party (NPP), together with allied political parties, civil society organisations and other groups, have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama over what it describes as an alarming erosion of constitutional democracy and the rule of law in Ghana.
The petition was submitted on Thursday, August 6, 2026, following a nationwide demonstration organised by the NPP and its allies under the theme, “Democracy Is Under Attack.”
Copies of the petition were also addressed to the Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ghana Bar Association and National Peace Council.
The petitioners accused the government of undermining constitutional checks and balances, interfering with judicial independence and using state institutions to intimidate political opponents, journalists and activists.
They cited concerns over the removal of former Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, alleged political prosecutions and what they described as restrictions affecting the legal profession and the right to legal representation.
The NPP also described the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as politically motivated.
The party alleged that the judicial system was being used to target opposition figures while similar allegations involving individuals associated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) had not received comparable attention.
The petition further raised concerns about the use of criminal law in cases involving political speech and criticism of public officials.
The NPP alleged that more than 45 politicians, journalists, media commentators and social media activists had faced arrests, investigations or other law-enforcement actions which it believes are connected to their political expressions.
On security and law enforcement, the petitioners accused state agencies, including the National Investigations Bureau, Economic and Organised Crime Office and Ghana Police Service, of conducting what they described as aggressive operations against opposition figures.
They also raised concerns about alleged violations of constitutional provisions governing arrest and bail, insisting that suspects must be treated in accordance with Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution and relevant provisions of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act.
The NPP further expressed concern over the reported reintroduction of a tribunal system, urging the government to ensure that any judicial or quasi-judicial mechanism operates within the principles of due process, transparency and judicial independence.
The party also made a broader political allegation, claiming that the actions it cited could form part of an attempt to weaken opposition and democratic institutions in preparation for what it described as a possible “third-term agenda” by President Mahama.
The petitioners called on the government to immediately end what they termed politically motivated arrests, surveillance and intimidation of opposition figures, journalists and activists.
They also demanded equal enforcement of the law, investigations into allegations of political violence and illegal mining involving named NDC officials, strict adherence to constitutional bail standards and an immediate reaffirmation of judicial independence.
The NPP warned that failure to address its concerns would lead the party, allied groups and concerned citizens to continue exercising their constitutional rights through what it described as sustained and lawful nationwide resistance.
The petition concluded by urging President Mahama to take immediate steps to address the concerns raised and protect Ghana’s constitutional order and democratic institutions
