Thousands of supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday took to the streets of Accra for the party’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, protesting what they describe as threats to free speech, the rule of law and constitutional rights under the John Mahama administration.
The demonstration brought together party executives, Members of Parliament and supporters from across the country, who marched through parts of the capital to express concerns over what the party says is a growing trend of arrests, intimidation and persecution of its members.
Carrying party flags and placards with messages calling for the protection of democracy, justice and the rule of law, the demonstrators marched from the Supreme Court to the Jubilee House.
The party submitted petitions to both the Supreme Court and the Jubilee House, urging the protection of democratic institutions, judicial independence, constitutional governance and the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution.
The NPP said the demonstration was aimed at drawing national attention to what it describes as the erosion of democratic principles and civil liberties under the current administration. The government has, however, rejected such claims, insisting that state institutions operate independently and within the confines of the law.
Adomonline’s Joseph Odotei was at the scene to capture highlights from the demonstration.
