Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has described the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) petition to the diplomatic community as a diversionary tactic aimed at shifting attention from internal tensions surrounding the party’s polling station executive elections.
According to him, there is currently no serious situation in Ghana that warrants international concern over the country’s democratic credentials.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the lawmaker claimed the opposition party was attempting to distract the public from disputes and alleged violence linked to its internal elections.
“I see the petition as an attempt to cover up things going on in their polling station executive elections. There is heat in the elections,” he stated.
Mr. Baidoo questioned the NPP’s claims that the government was abusing state institutions and suppressing dissent, insisting that the same legal framework and security institutions existed under the previous administration.
“The police the NDC came to meet are the same ones still working. There has been no recruitment. The same laws are operating; nothing has changed,” he said.
The Akwatia MP also argued that several of the laws now being criticised by the NPP were introduced during the party’s time in government, including provisions under the Electronic Communications Act.
“In fact, the Electronic Communications Act was brought under the NPP government. Every provision under it was brought by them,” he stated.
He further referenced incidents under the previous administration where journalists and critics were arrested despite the presence of prominent human rights advocates within government.
“Under a human rights lawyer, journalists were arrested. So why are they making it look like this is something new?” he questioned.
Mr. Baidoo added that if the NPP believes some of the laws are problematic, the party should advocate for their repeal instead of portraying the current situation as unprecedented.
“I would support them if they want the law repealed. But if during your time you did not have the courage to do so, why make it look like it is a new thing?” he added.
The NPP, on May 19, 2026, petitioned the diplomatic community in Ghana over what it described as growing state-sponsored political persecution, suppression of dissent, and erosion of democratic freedoms under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
The petition, jointly signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, accused the government of weaponising state institutions against opposition figures, journalists, and activists.
READ ALSO:
Abronye’s health is deteriorating; he is in dire situation – Oppong Nkrumah
NPP petitions diplomatic community over alleged political persecution and suppression of dissent
