NDC Organizer Dismisses NPP’s ‘Democracy Under Attack’ Claim

Western Regional NDC Organizer Charles Kojo Adu-Fordjour has challenged the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) claim that Ghana’s democracy is under attack, insisting that state institutions must be allowed to operate independently and in accordance with the law.

Speaking on KYZZ FM on Friday, August 7, a day after the NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, Mr. Adu-Fordjour said Ghana’s democracy is founded on the rule of law and respect for the independence of state institutions.

He argued that political parties must allow institutions, including the Judiciary and law-enforcement agencies, to perform their constitutional and statutory duties without political interference.

According to him, allegations of wrongdoing should be investigated by the appropriate institutions, while the courts must be allowed to determine cases through due process.

Mr. Adu-Fordjour rejected the NPP’s suggestion that the arrest, prosecution and imprisonment of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, constituted an attack on the party or Ghana’s democracy.

He maintained that political affiliation or prominence should not place anyone above the law.

The NDC organizer also cited an earlier legal dispute involving Mr. Wontumi and mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region. He said the case was initiated at the Sekondi High Court in 2013 over issues surrounding a mining license and related operations, but was later discontinued after the NPP came into government.

Mr. Adu-Fordjour alleged that the mining activities had affected livelihoods and property and raised concerns about water resources, including the Tano River.

He questioned what he described as a change in the NPP’s attitude towards the Judiciary, arguing that the party had previously relied on the courts to resolve disputes but was now portraying legal proceedings involving one of its prominent members as evidence of democratic backsliding.

Chairman Wontumi was sentenced in July 2026 to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by an Accra High Court after being convicted in connection with illegal mining at Samreboi. The court also imposed a fine on him and Akonta Mining Company Limited.

Commenting on the NPP demonstration, Mr. Adu-Fordjour described it as a “funfair” and questioned the decision to hold the protest while the country was commemorating the death of eight Ghanaians.

He also criticised the conduct of some NPP supporters during the demonstration, particularly what he described as disrespect towards presidential staffer Nana Yaa Gyantuwaa.

Mr. Adu-Fordjour further criticised NPP Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, arguing that political leaders who present themselves as custodians of the rule of law must also be willing to submit to investigations when allegations are made against them.

He maintained that respect for state institutions and the rule of law must apply regardless of a person’s political affiliation or position.