The National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has accused the government of President John Dramani Mahama of threatening Ghana’s democratic values, particularly freedom of expression.
He described former President Nana Akufo-Addo as having become a “saint” compared to the current administration, which he claimed was gradually becoming intolerant of dissenting voices.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Boakye defended the NPP’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration scheduled for Thursday, August 6, arguing that the protest was necessary due to what he described as growing concerns over the state of democracy in the country.
“The demonstration is very important. The way this country is being governed and hindering our democracy is scary,” he said.
He questioned what he described as a shift in attitude by some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly individuals who previously benefited from freedom of speech while the party was in opposition.
“Prof. Gyampo and many NDC appointees were among the biggest beneficiaries of free speech. Why are they now preventing others from enjoying the same freedom that helped bring them to power?” he asked.
His comments follow criticism from the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, who described the NPP’s planned protest as a “face-saving strategy” by the party’s leadership.
Mr. Boakye argued that the NDC had historically benefited from the space created by free expression, recalling President Mahama’s criticisms of the previous government over alleged attempts to criminalise speech.
“When he was in opposition, he wrote an open letter to Akufo-Addo about criminalisation of free speech. Since 2025, cases on criminalisation of free speech have risen to 45,” he claimed.
He, however, clarified that he did not support insults or abusive commentary but insisted that citizens should be allowed to express their opinions on government policies without fear of intimidation.
“I don’t support insults and the likes, but some of these people just post about their take on government,” he said.
The NPP National Organizer also raised concerns about bail conditions imposed on some individuals facing legal challenges, describing some amounts as excessive and potentially punitive.
“Is bail meant to be punitive? If you can’t meet the bail, you’ll be locked up. What is going on is bad,” he said.
The NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” protest is expected to focus on issues including alleged threats to democratic governance, restrictions on free speech and concerns over the handling of legal matters involving some individuals.
The party has cited concerns including the acquittal of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) CEO, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, and what it describes as the arbitrary arrest and treatment of some of its members.
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