Deputy Minority Leader Curses NDC over Alleged ‘State-Sponsored Intimidation and Selective Justice’

Deputy Minority Leader Madam Patricia Appiagyei, has strongly condemned what she describes as a ‘dangerous shift’ in Ghana’s political climate, citing state-sponsored intimidation, selective justice, and the misuse of security forces against political opponents.

Her concerns follow a series of high-profile raids and targeted attacks on former government officials, which she denounced as a blatant affront to democracy and the rule of law.

Addressing the media in Parliament on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Hon. Appiagyei pointed to the recent raid on the private residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a prime example of government overreach. The operation, carried out on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, saw armed military personnel, police officers, and plainclothes security operatives storm Ofori-Atta’s home without a warrant. The premises were ransacked, yet no incriminating evidence was found.

“The former minister was out of the country seeking medical attention, a fact known to both the former and current Chiefs of Staff. This raises serious questions about the true intent behind the raid,” she asserted.

Appiagyei further accused the government of using its security apparatus to target political opponents, rather than ensuring law and order. She referenced video footage that purportedly showed Richard Jakpa, a known NDC activist recently implicated in the ambulance purchase scandal, leading the raid.

“This reckless display of power exposes the government’s deep-seated desire to harass and humiliate political opponents under the guise of security operations,” she fumed.

The Deputy Minority Leader also criticized what she termed ‘glaring double standards in the administration of justice,’ highlighting the swift summoning of Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh for questioning over remarks he made about the disputed Ablekuma North parliamentary election results.

“In contrast, Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC and Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, faced no consequences after openly threatening the life of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on live television,” she argued.

“Why was Hon. Annoh-Dompreh quickly summoned for interrogation while Mr. Gbande, who made explicit threats against the Minority Leader, was allowed to walk free? This selective application of justice sets a dangerous precedent, undermines the rule of law, and exposes the politicization of our security agencies,” Appiagyei added.

She called on Ghanaians, civil society organizations, religious groups, traditional authorities, and the international community to resist what she described as ‘a wave of political persecution and state-sponsored intimidation.’

Demanding an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the raids and harassment of former officials, she urged the government to cease using security forces for political vendettas.

“No democracy can survive when its institutions become weapons for political vengeance. If we allow this lawlessness to continue unchecked, tomorrow it will not just be politicians who are targeted, but ordinary Ghanaians who hold dissenting views,” she cautioned.

The Deputy Minority Leader reaffirmed that the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) would not stand by as democracy is eroded, emphasizing that power is transient and history will harshly judge those who manipulate state institutions for oppression.

Source: GhanaNewsOnline