Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin and NPP Supporters Lead 'Democracy Under Attack' Protest Against Mahama Administration

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) took to the streets of Accra in a massive demonstration themed 'Democracy Under Attack,' accusing President John Mahama’s administration of selective justice and the systemic abuse of state institutions. Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, hundreds of demonstrators clad in red and black marched from the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to the Supreme Court, Parliament House, and the Jubilee House. The party presented petitions highlighting several grievances, including concerns over judicial independence following the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo and the perceived political persecution of opposition members through the legal system. Afenyo-Markin warned that the current administration's actions are undermining democratic principles and suggested that such 'selective justice' could set a dangerous precedent for future political transitions.

A significant point of contention arose at the Jubilee House, where the NPP delegation initially faced challenges with media access and later expressed outrage over the government's reception of their petition. With President Mahama away attending a national inter-faith memorial service for the eight victims of a recent military helicopter crash, Senior Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Akyenpim Jantuah was delegated to receive the document. Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin sparked a firestorm of criticism by referring to Jantuah as a 'nobody' and questioning the government's seriousness. Jantuah, who defended her authority and professional standing, has since announced her intention to petition Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for a formal retraction, describing the remarks as a direct insult to both her office and the Presidency.

The fallout from the protest has drawn sharp condemnation from various sectors of Ghanaian society. Abigail Elorm Mensah, Deputy Women’s Organiser of the NDC, and Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, Chairperson of Parliament’s Women’s Caucus, both labeled Afenyo-Markin’s comments as 'sexist' and an affront to women in leadership. The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) and the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) also issued statements calling for an apology, arguing that such discourse undermines the progress made in female political participation. Meanwhile, the NPP’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, defended the protest's timing, stating it was a scheduling oversight rather than a sign of disrespect toward the helicopter crash victims, as critics had suggested.

In response to the demonstration, the government has remained largely dismissive. Mustapha Gbande, Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, characterized the NPP’s petition as 'meritless' and 'nonsensical,' asserting that the Mahama administration is focused on nation-building and will not be swayed by 'political distractions.' Despite this dismissal, spokespersons like Dennis Miracles Aboagye have urged the government to show greater tolerance for dissent, warning that a culture of intimidation could stifle free expression. As the NPP vows to continue defending its members against alleged persecution, former National Chairman Paul Afoko has signaled a long-term focus on the 2028 elections, emphasizing a 'Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture' strategy to restore the party to power.