The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been accused of undermining the rule of law in Ghana, with instances of violence and intimidation cited under the watch of former Presidents J.A. Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo. According to a recent opinion piece, the NPP has made nonsense of the rule of law, citing cases such as the killing of Roko Frimpong, deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana, who was shot dead for refusing to sign a false document under President Kufuor.
The opinion piece, written by Clement Sangaparee of the United Cadres Front, also mentions the torture and death of Issah Mobilla in police custody in December 2004 under President Kufuor. Furthermore, Sangaparee notes that under President Akufo-Addo, several individuals have been killed, including Ahmed Suale in 2019, Josephine Tandoh Asante, J.B. Danquah Adu, and eight innocent Ghanaians who were shot dead on December 7, 2020.
Sangaparee, a member of the Busia Intelligent Boys (B.I.B), a group that campaigned against Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in the 1960s, argues that the NPP's actions are at odds with its claims of being an elite party that believes in the rule of law and true democracy. He also criticizes traditional rulers and clergy in Ghana for not speaking out against these instances of violence and intimidation.
The NPP's history with the rule of law is complex, with its roots in the Progress Party Government of Dr. K.A. Busia, who was appointed advisor to the NLC Military Government and Chairman of the Centre for Civic Education. The Centre for Civic Education was established to promote civic education and re-integrate society after the overthrow of Dr. Nkrumah.
Sangaparee's assertions have sparked debate, with some questioning the accuracy of his claims and others calling for greater accountability from the NPP. The NPP has not publicly responded to Sangaparee's allegations, but its leaders have consistently maintained that they are committed to upholding the rule of law and promoting democracy in Ghana.
The issue of violence and intimidation in Ghanaian politics is a pressing concern, with many Ghanaians calling for an end to the culture of violence and impunity. The Ghanaian Chronicle has not verified the claims made by Sangaparee, but the issue has sparked a necessary conversation about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Ghana.
As Ghana continues to navigate its democratic journey, the NPP's record on the rule of law will likely remain under scrutiny. Key points to consider include:
Key points
- The NPP has been accused of undermining the rule of law, with instances of violence and intimidation cited under former Presidents Kufuor and Akufo-Addo.
- The party's history with the rule of law is complex, with roots in the Progress Party Government of Dr. K.A. Busia.
- The issue of violence and intimidation in Ghanaian politics is a pressing concern, with many Ghanaians calling for an end to the culture of violence and impunity.
