Thousands march in Accra against alleged selective prosecutions and arbitrary arrests
Thousands of Ghanaians, including NPP supporters, civil society activists, and members of opposition political parties, marched in Accra in a demonstration dubbed “Democracy Under Attack.” The protest focused on concerns that Ghana’s democracy is being eroded through selective prosecutions and arbitrary arrests of government critics. Demonstrators criticized the justice system under the Mahama government, alleging that corruption cases against former NDC appointees were discontinued while former NPP officials were prosecuted. They also raised concerns about a return to a “culture of silence,” citing alleged arrests and harassment of journalists, activists, and citizens who criticize government policies. Speakers at the event stated that the goal of these actions was intimidation rather than accountability, arguing that the government uses the justice system to target opponents while shielding allies. Placards displayed by demonstrators conveyed messages such as “Ghana's courts are becoming the opposition's prosecutor” and “The NDC wants accountability, but only for the other side.” NPP leaders, including the Minority Leader, asserted that the Mahama government’s use of selective justice and arbitrary arrests creates a chilling effect. The protesters emphasized that Ghana’s democracy is founded on equal justice and freedom of expression, principles they believe are being undermined by the government’s actions.
