PNP expresses concern over ‘gradual erosion of democracy’ under NDC administration

The People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed its deep concern and disappointment over what it describes as the gradual but deliberate erosion of democracy under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration. In a press statement by the Chairperson and Leader of the party, Janet Asana Nabla, the PNP said Ghana’s hard-won democracy, built through years of sacrifice, is now being undermined by actions that weaken parliamentary independence, threaten judicial integrity, and endanger freedom of expression. The party criticised the NDC majority in Parliament for allegedly unilaterally altering long-standing parliamentary protocols that have, over the years, guaranteed balanced representation of both the Majority and Minority caucuses in ECOWAS delegations. “Instead of maintaining this democratic balance, the government handpicked its preferred representatives, sidelining the Minority Leader. This is a complete departure from Ghana’s democratic norms and an affront to parliamentary fairness,” the statement read. It added that when ECOWAS initially refused to swear in the NDC-dominated delegation due to these irregularities, the NDC Majority in Parliament reportedly threatened to withdraw from the regional body unless its delegation was accepted. “Such political intimidation is disgraceful and undermines ECOWAS’ independence. ECOWAS giving in to such threats and lowering its democratic principles to allow this dictatorship to set in only shows its weakness,” the PNP said. The party further expressed deep concern over ongoing interference in Ghana’s judiciary, noting that Parliament has proceeded to vet a new Chief Justice while the substantive Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Araba Esaba Torkornoo, remains in court challenging her unlawful removal. “Her removal without due process represents a direct attack on judicial independence and a serious case of gender bias. Instead of upholding the Affirmative Action Law, which ensures 30 percent representation of women in leadership positions, the NDC government is systematically removing qualified women from key offices to replace them with politically loyal men,” the statement added. The PNP described this trend as both discriminatory and a betrayal of Ghana’s constitutional commitment to gender equality. The party also raised alarm over the NDC government’s attempt to pass a new Cyber Security Bill, warning that it could be used to restrict free expression. “While cybersecurity is important, any law that gives excessive power to the state to monitor citizens’ online activities poses a grave risk to freedom of speech and privacy. Such legislation could easily become a tool of oppression rather than protection. Already, reports of young women being detained for expressing their opinions reveal an emerging pattern of intolerance that is incompatible with democratic governance,” the PNP said. Calling on the NPP Minority in Parliament to defend the Constitution, the party warned against undemocratic moves by the government. “If the Minority Leader is unfairly dragged before the Privileges Committee, we urge the Minority to consider boycotting parliamentary proceedings as a legitimate act of protest. If the NDC government intends to establish a one-party system, then let it be clear to Ghanaians and the world.” The PNP also appealed to the international community to intervene, citing Ghana’s reputation as a model of democratic governance in Africa. “We call upon the United Nations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the African Union, and ECOWAS to take immediate interest in Ghana’s deteriorating democratic situation. Ghana has long stood as a model of democratic governance in Africa. This reputation must not be destroyed by reckless political manipulation and institutional intimidation,” the party said. The statement reaffirmed the PNP’s commitment to defending democracy, justice, and equality. “The People’s National Party (PNP) will continue to speak truth to power and stand firm in defence of democracy, justice, and equality. We call on all Ghanaians, civil society, the media, and fellow political parties to join in protecting our Republic from the creeping shadows of dictatorship.”