Prof. Ransford Gyampo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers' Authority, has criticized the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) planned "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration, set to take place on Thursday, August 6. The NPP plans to protest over what it says are growing threats to Ghana's democratic governance.
NPP's Protest Criticized as 'Face-Saving' Move
Prof. Gyampo described the NPP's planned protest as a "face-saving" strategy by the party's leadership. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, August 5, he argued that Ghana's democracy remains strong and does not require such a demonstration to defend it. He said the protest was rather aimed at helping the NPP leadership address internal challenges and regain public confidence.
Ghana's Democracy is thriving and not under siege, Prof. Gyampo wrote. Any attempt at busing people to walk, under the guise of demonstration to trumpet it as being under attack, is a useless face-saving tactic by leaders who currently face a legitimacy deficit in their party, he added.
NPP's Claims Rejected
The NPP has cited concerns including the acquittal of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) CEO, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, and what it describes as the arbitrary arrest and treatment of some of its members. However, Prof. Gyampo has rejected the NPP's claims, saying Ghana's democracy remains strong and does not require such a demonstration to defend it.
Heightened Political Tensions
The NPP, however, maintains that the demonstration is intended to defend democratic freedoms, uphold the rule of law and demand accountability in governance. The planned protest comes amid heightened political tensions between the NPP and the government over several issues, including court decisions involving party members and concerns over the handling of politically sensitive legal matters.
What's Next
The NPP's planned protest on Thursday, August 6, will be a test of the party's resolve to defend democratic governance. It remains to be seen how the protest will unfold and whether it will achieve its intended goals. One thing is certain, however – the debate over the state of Ghana's democracy is unlikely to subside anytime soon.
Source: Joy Online
