The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the John Mahama administration of orchestrating political persecution against its members and undermining judicial independence while also announcing key updates on its upcoming presidential primary and internal party reforms.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s national Secretariat in Accra on Wednesday, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong outlined several new decisions and expressed strong concern over what he described as “state-sponsored harassment” of NPP figures under the current government.
Party to hold presidential primary on Jan. 31, 2026
Kodua said preparations for the party’s January 31, 2026, presidential primary were “well underway,” emphasising the NPP’s commitment to a free and transparent process.
He announced the establishment of an Intra-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), which will work closely with aspirants to address concerns and streamline the roadmap to the primaries.
“The party has successfully rolled out a nationwide constituency album verification and validation exercise,” Kodua said, adding that the process involved current and former officers and representatives of all presidential aspirants to enhance transparency.”
The Presidential Elections Committee will hold a separate press briefing on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, to outline further details of the election roadmap.
Committee on Amnesty and disciplinary action
The NPP has also formed a seven-member ad hoc committee, chaired by Hon. Anyimadu Antwi, to review issues related to amnesty for suspended members.
In another development, the party has referred a petition against Hon. Kwaku Asante Boateng, Member of Parliament for Asante Akim South, to its National Disciplinary Committee. Kodua condemned the MP’s alleged remarks and conduct, describing them as “inconsistent with the party’s core values of democracy and unity.”
Members must be in good standing to vote
Reiterating adherence to the NPP Constitution, Kodua announced that payment of membership dues would be a mandatory requirement for participation in all internal elections — either as a delegate or contestant.
“The party will strictly enforce this provision without exception,” he said, urging members to use the short code 920270#* or the NPP mobile app to pay their dues.
NPP decries political persecution and ‘judicial complicity’
In a strongly worded section of his address, Kodua accused the Mahama government of weaponising state security agencies and the judiciary to intimidate opposition members.
He cited cases involving Chairman Wontumi, Adu Boahen, Abdul Wahab Hannan, Gifty Oware-Mensah, and Osei Assibey Antwi, claiming they had been “unlawfully detained” or subjected to “unreasonable bail conditions.”
“The Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence, yet under this administration, our members are treated as guilty until proven innocent,” Kodua said.
He further alleged that the removal of Chief Justice Araba Torkonoo had created “an atmosphere of fear among judges,” undermining judicial independence.
Kodua also criticised Attorney General Dominic Ayine, accusing him of conducting “media trials” and “abusing prosecutorial discretion” by dropping charges against National Democratic Congress (NDC) affiliates through nolle prosequi declarations.
“The Attorney General has turned himself into a court of competent jurisdiction,” Kodua said. “He pronounces people guilty before trial and frees his political cronies without consequence.”
Concerns over press freedom and galamsey
The NPP General Secretary also accused the Mahama administration of reviving a “culture of silence,” citing the arrest of social media users for criticising public officials.
“The police are more interested in arresting Facebookers and TikTokers than fighting insecurity,” Kodua stated, warning that selective justice “erodes public confidence in democracy.”
On illegal mining, or galamsey, Kodua blamed the NDC for fueling environmental destruction, alleging that its members “have taken over almost all galamsey sites in the country.”
“The NPP recognises the existential threat posed by galamsey and stands ready to cooperate with the government to end this menace,” he added.
Looking ahead
Kodua concluded by reaffirming the NPP’s dedication to the rule of law, transparency, and national unity.
“We will not relent in defending democracy and justice in Ghana,” he said. “Our party remains focused on building a stronger, fairer, and more accountable nation.”
By Kingsley Asiedu
