Governance Expert Edward Ayertey Kwasi Calls for Civility After NPP ‘Democracy Under Attack’ Protest
Governance expert Mr. Edward Ayitey Kwasi has called for greater civility in Ghana’s political discourse following the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration on August 6.
Speaking on the KYZZ FM Morning Show on August 7, hosted by Kwame Baah, Mr. Edward Ayitey Kwasi said although the Constitution guarantees the right to demonstrate, the exercise of that right must be guided by respect for the law and the dignity of others.
He said political parties have every right to criticise government policies and mobilize citizens to express their concerns, but such actions should not degenerate into insults, intimidation or disrespect.
Mr. Ayitey also questioned the timing of the demonstration, noting that August 6 marked the first anniversary of the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people in 2025, including former Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and former Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
He explained that because President John Dramani Mahama and other government officials were attending activities to commemorate the anniversary, presidential staffer Nana Yaa Gyantuwaa was assigned to receive the NPP’s petition on behalf of the Presidency.
According to him, the manner in which some demonstrators, particularly NPP Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, interacted with Nana Yaa was unacceptable and shifted public attention from the issues raised by the protest to the conduct of the demonstrators.
Mr. Ayitey therefore called on the NPP to apologise to President Mahama and Nana Yaa Gyantuwaa, urging senior party figures, including General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and Sammy Awuku, to intervene.
He also criticised comments attributed to NPP Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah, describing them as inappropriate and below the standard expected of political leaders.
Mr. Ayitey stressed that political affiliation or public position should not determine how people are treated, insisting that political actors must uphold respect and civility in their interactions.
He further cited an interview involving Nana Yaa on Asempa FM, where she reportedly became emotional while recounting her experience, saying the incident should serve as a lesson to political parties on the need for responsible conduct during demonstrations.
However, Mr. Ayitey said the large number of mature and elderly citizens who participated in the protest should not be overlooked.
He argued that their participation suggests that sections of the population have genuine concerns about the performance of the government.
He consequently urged the government to listen carefully to the grievances raised during the demonstration and take steps to address legitimate concerns, including concerns over the treatment of journalists.