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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched a scathing attack on the John Mahama-led administration, accusing it of political persecution, judicial intimidation, and a failure to uphold democratic principles. Addressing a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong outlined recent developments within the party and commented extensively on what he described as the deteriorating governance situation under the current government. Party Updates On Upcoming Presidential Primary Kodua Frimpong reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to a transparent and credible presidential primary slated for January 31, 2026. He disclosed that an Intra-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) has been established to engage all presidential aspirants and their representatives on concerns regarding the roadmap toward the primaries. The party has also completed a nationwide constituency album verification and validation exercise to ensure the integrity of the voter register across all constituencies and external branches. Verification committees were composed of both current and former party officers, as well as agents of all presidential aspirants, to ensure fairness. The NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee is scheduled to hold a detailed press conference on Thursday, November 6, to present modalities for the primary process. Ad Hoc Committee on Amnesty and Reconciliation In what the party describes as a reconciliation effort, a seven-member ad hoc committee has been established to address all matters related to the amnesty extended to suspended members. The committee, chaired by Anyimadu Antwi, includes notable figures such as Peter Mac Manu, Divine Agorhum, Rabi Salifu, and Ernest Kumi, among others. The committee’s mandate is to advise the party on the scope and implementation of the amnesty measures. Disciplinary Proceedings Against Asante Akim South MP Kodua Frimpong revealed that the National Steering Committee has referred a petition against Kwaku Asante Boateng, MP for Asante Akim South, to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee. The MP is accused of making remarks and taking actions deemed inconsistent with the party’s core values of inclusivity, unity, and democratic decorum. The party distanced itself from his conduct, describing it as “unfortunate” and “contrary to the NPP’s principles.” Membership Dues and Internal Elections Reiterating the constitutional requirements of the party, the NPP General Secretary emphasized that payment of membership dues is a mandatory condition for participation in all internal elections — both as a delegate or contestant. He cited Article 3(4) of the NPP Constitution, which disqualifies members who are not in “good standing” from holding office or contesting elections. To ease compliance, members can make payments through the short code *920*270# in Ghana or via the NPP Mobile App for members abroad. The party’s National Treasurer is expected to provide further details on the process. Political Persecution and Judicial Intimidation Allegations In a major portion of his address, Kodua Frimpong accused President John Mahama’s administration of weaponizing state security and the judiciary against political opponents. He cited the alleged harassment and detention of several NPP figures, including Chairman Wontumi, Adu Boahen, Gifty Oware-Mensah, Abdul Wahab Hannan, and Osei Assibey Antwi, claiming they were subjected to excessive bail conditions and prolonged detentions. The NPP General Secretary argued that these actions contravened Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), as well as Supreme Court rulings which stress that bail should not be punitive. Kodua further condemned the judiciary for what he described as “a compromised and fearful bench”, citing the controversial removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo as a turning point that undermined judicial independence. He expressed shock that a court recently set bail at GH¢800 million for an accused NPP member — a figure he described as “ridiculous” and “a constructive denial of justice.” He also accused Attorney General Dominic Ayine of conducting media trials, making prejudicial comments, and selectively freeing NDC members through nolle prosequi decisions in over ten corruption cases involving alleged theft of public funds. Justin Kodua claimed Ayine’s conduct violates professional ethics and undermines public confidence in the justice system. Culture of Silence and Political Intolerance The NPP also expressed alarm over what it called a return to the culture of silence, with the government allegedly using the police and National Security to intimidate journalists and social media activists. Kodua cited the arrests of “Facebookers” and “TikTokers” for expressing dissent, describing the situation as “a dangerous reversal of Ghana’s democratic gains.” Galamsey Menace and NDC’s Role Touching on illegal mining (galamsey), Kodua accused NDC officials — including Members of Parliament and party executives — of being the real perpetrators and enablers of galamsey. He alleged that NDC operatives have taken over mining sites across the country, even attacking soldiers who attempt to enforce the law. He lamented the resulting environmental degradation and the shutdown of water treatment plants due to rising turbidity levels in major rivers. Kodua said the NPP, though in opposition, is committed to supporting the government in combating the galamsey crisis, describing it as a “generational challenge that requires national unity.”
