NPP ACCUSES MAHAMA GOVERNMENT OF ‘POLITICAL PERSECUTION’ AS PARTY SETS PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY FOR JAN. 31, 2026
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) launched a fierce broadside against the Mahama administration on Wednesday, leveling accusations of “political persecution” and the undermining of judicial independence, while simultaneously announcing its presidential primary will be held on January 31, 2026.
In a sharply worded press conference at the party’s headquarters, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong outlined a series of what he termed “state-sponsored harassment” cases against party members. He claimed the ruling government has created an “atmosphere of fear” within the judiciary and is systematically targeting political opponents.
“The Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence, yet under this administration, our members are treated as guilty until proven innocent,” Kodua stated.
Allegations of a Weaponized State and Judicial Complicity
Kodua’s allegations were wide-ranging. He asserted that state security agencies are being “weaponized” against opposition figures, citing the “unlawful detention” and stringent bail conditions imposed on prominent NPP members like Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi) and former MP Kwabena Adu Boahen.
He further alleged that the removal of Chief Justice Araba Torkonoo has led to judicial complicity, intimidating judges and compromising the courts’ independence. Kodua saved his most pointed criticism for Attorney General Dominic Ayine, accusing him of conducting “media trials” and abusing his power.
“The Attorney General has turned himself into a court of competent jurisdiction,” Kodua charged. “He pronounces people guilty before trial and frees his political cronies without consequence.” He pointed to the use of nolle prosequi declarations to drop charges against members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) as clear evidence of selective justice.
Primary Date Set Amid Internal Party Reforms
Amid the political firestorm, Kodua confirmed the party is proceeding with its internal electoral processes. The presidential primary, scheduled for January 31, 2026, is intended to select the party’s flagbearer for the next general election.
Kodua emphasized a commitment to transparency, noting that preparations were “well underway.” He announced that the party has completed a nationwide constituency album verification exercise and established an Intra-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to work with aspirants.
In a move to enforce party discipline, Kodua declared that payment of membership dues is now a mandatory requirement for anyone wishing to participate in internal elections as a delegate or contestant. “The party will strictly enforce this provision without exception,” he said.
The party has also formed a seven-member ad hoc committee, chaired by Hon. Anyimadu Antwi, to review potential amnesty for suspended members.
Broader Concerns Over Freedoms and Galamsey
Expanding his criticism, Kodua accused the government of reviving a “culture of silence” by arresting social media users who criticize officials. “The police are more interested in arresting Facebookers and TikTokers than fighting insecurity,” he claimed.
On the issue of illegal mining (galamsey), Kodua blamed the NDC for exacerbating the environmental destruction, alleging its members “have taken over almost all galamsey sites in the country.” He offered the NPP’s cooperation to the government to end what he called an “existential threat.”
Concluding his address, Kodua reaffirmed the NPP’s dedication to the rule of law. “We will not relent in defending democracy and justice in Ghana,” he said. “Our party remains focused on building a stronger, fairer, and more accountable nation.”
The Mahama administration and the NDC had not issued an immediate response to the allegations as of Wednesday evening.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
