A civic coalition named Democracy in Progress has announced plans to hold a peaceful demonstration in Accra, Ghana, on October 2, 2026. The march, themed "Democracy at work: accountability is not persecution," aims to promote accountability and push back against what they see as a growing trend of politically motivated prosecutions. The group, convened by prominent individuals including security analyst Emmanuel Mawanye Kotin and officials from the United Party, seeks to engage citizens in a national conversation about accountability.
The march will commence at Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle at 07:30 am, with participants encouraged to wear white to symbolize peace and civic responsibility. Organizers have begun consultations with the Ghana Police Service to agree on the route, petition points, and dispersal plan. They have assured the public that measures will be taken to ensure a peaceful and orderly procession, with prohibited items including weapons, alcohol, and inflammatory placards.
The announcement comes weeks after the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the main opposition party, held a protest under the banner "Democracy Under Attack." The NPP denounced what it described as politically motivated prosecutions of figures linked to the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. Democracy in Progress respects the NPP's right to protest but argues that citizens also have the constitutional freedom to present counter-arguments.
Democracy in Progress contends that the investigation, prosecution, or conviction of politically exposed persons cannot be construed as persecution. The group cites Ghana's 1992 Constitution, which enshrines principles of probity, accountability, and justice. They argue that party membership cannot exempt a person from lawful investigation and that political office cannot provide immunity from the criminal law.
The coalition is demanding greater transparency on the government's anti-corruption drive, Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL). They are calling for a public asset recovery register and regular reporting on cases referred for investigation, the value of assets recovered, and the management and audit of recovered property. This, they believe, will ensure accountability applies to officials of both the current and previous administrations.
As part of the march, the group plans to submit petitions to the Presidency, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Chief Justice, representing the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The demonstration is not aligned with any political party, and invitations have been extended to various civil society organizations, trade unions, professional bodies, faith groups, student associations, women's groups, traditional authorities, and market associations.
The organizers stress that while the march is open to citizens, political parties can only participate as individual citizens, not in party colors. With this demonstration, Democracy in Progress aims to promote a culture of accountability and ensure that Ghana's democratic institutions remain robust and resilient.
Key points
- The march aims to promote accountability and push back against politically motivated prosecutions.
- The group is demanding greater transparency on the government's anti-corruption drive.
- The demonstration is not aligned with any political party.
