The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has appealed to the diplomatic corps and international partners to closely monitor what it describes as growing threats to human rights and democratic governance in Ghana.
The appeal was made during the presentation of a petition to the Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Her Excellency Imane Ouaadil.
Presenting the petition on behalf of the party, Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe and Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, urged the international community to remain vigilant in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic principles.
According to the NPP, Ghana’s democratic stability has historically benefited from the active engagement and support of the international community. The party therefore called on diplomats, development partners, and international human rights organisations to pay close attention to recent developments in the country.
The petition called for public reaffirmation of key democratic values, including freedom of expression, judicial independence, due process, and political tolerance.
The NPP further alleged that there has been an increasing misuse of criminal prosecutions against opposition figures and dissenting voices. It also accused the government of engaging in politically motivated arrests, arbitrary detentions, and intimidation targeting opposition politicians, journalists, and activists.
Additionally, the party appealed for support in ensuring that state institutions, especially the judiciary and security services, operate independently and within constitutional limits.
Speaking during the presentation, Jerry Ahmed Shaib criticised the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, claiming the government was fostering a “culture of silence” despite the repeal of Ghana’s Criminal Libel Law.
The petition adds to growing political tensions between the governing administration and the opposition over concerns surrounding governance, civil liberties, and democratic accountability in Ghana.
