The main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana organized a large-scale protest march dubbed “Yɛn Suro Ahunahuna” (meaning “We don't fear intimidation”) on Tuesday, September 23, accusing state security agencies of selective justice and intimidation against its members. The demonstration, led by the party’s Youth Wing under National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha, aimed to highlight what the NPP describes as a severe threat to freedom of speech and democratic principles in the country.

Hundreds of NPP supporters converged at Obra Spot from 6:00 a.m. before embarking on the march around 9:00 a.m. The procession first made its way to the Ghana Police Headquarters, where a petition was formally presented to the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno. Subsequently, demonstrators proceeded to the Jubilee House to submit another petition to the Office of the President.

A primary catalyst for the protest was the recent arrest and detention of several prominent NPP figures and social media commentators. Salam Mustapha, in presenting the petition, expressed serious concerns over a pattern of “rambo-style” arrests and subsequent denial of bail for party members. He cited specific cases, including the arrests of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC), social media personality Fante Comedy, as well as Adenta Kumi and Okatakyie Afrifa. Mustapha contrasted this treatment with what he alleged was more lenient handling of members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), further pointing to alleged threats and assaults against NPP leaders like Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Alhaji Osman Masawudu, who was reportedly attacked by NDC National Vice Chairman Alhaji Awudu Sofo Azorka.

Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, a former Minister of Health, addressed the press at the protest grounds, emphasizing that the demonstration was crucial because the “most fundamental feature of a democracy”—freedom of speech—was under severe attack. He argued that democracy necessitates tolerance for diverse viewpoints, even those expressed crudely. Dr. Okoe Boye cautioned against the dangerous precedent set by arresting individuals for their opinions, stating that such actions could lead to a “culture of silence,” stifling Ghana’s dynamism and innovation. He explicitly accused the police of selective justice, highlighting instances where NPP activists were publicly handcuffed and paraded, contrasting it with the alleged lack of such treatment for NDC members like Chairman Azorka, or the 4 a.m. raid on NPP activist Sir Obama’s home over a Facebook post.

Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, the NPP’s National Organiser, reiterated the party’s resolve not to be intimidated by what he termed deliberate attempts by state institutions to silence its members. He accused the police of clear bias, questioning why there appeared to be “different laws for NPP and different laws for NDC.” Nana B condemned the “weaponisation of State institutions against the opposition” and criticized what he called “repressive” bail conditions imposed on party members as a form of punishment. He urged President Mahama, whom he described as an embodiment of democracy, to ensure state institutions cease the harassment, asserting that the party would not allow its rights to be trampled upon.

The NPP’s demands centered on an end to politically motivated harassment through arrests, remands, and investigations perceived to target opposition figures, as well as an end to bail denials and perceived double standards in law enforcement. This protest underscored heightened political tension and scrutiny regarding the neutrality of state institutions.

In response to the petitions, COP/Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba, Director-General/Technical of the Police Management Board (POMAB), assured protesters at the Police Headquarters that their concerns would be reviewed and appropriate action taken. At the Jubilee House, Alex Segbefia, Chief of Staff to the Vice President, received the petition on behalf of the President. He reaffirmed President Mahama’s commitment to upholding Ghana’s democratic processes and assured that the petition would be duly considered, with action taken if deemed appropriate.