The main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana is accusing President John Dramani Mahama’s government of using arrests and tough bail terms to intimidate critics, warning it could be part of a plan to extend his time in office.
Speaking on Tuesday, Akosua Manu, the NPP’s spokesperson on gender and social protection, said the recent detentions of government critics are not about enforcing the law but about silencing dissent.
According to Manu, the administration is trying to shut down accountability.
“They are arresting dissenters and imposing excessive bail conditions to silence critics. The opposition is their loudest critic, and they believe they already have control over much of the media while some civil society organisations that would ordinarily speak out have also been muted,” she said.
Manu alleged the actions are laying the groundwork for a constitutional amendment that would allow Mahama to seek a third term, despite constitutional limits. She urged Ghanaians to stay vigilant and defend democratic institutions.
The NPP spokesperson also pointed to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as evidence of the government overreaching. She added that Mahama has not yet delivered on key campaign promises such as a 24-hour economy and job creation.
Manu further claimed that within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), some members oppose the alleged third-term plan but remain quiet because they are waiting for political appointments.
“Even within their party (NDC), there are people against the third term agenda plan but they just can’t say it because most of them are still waiting for appointments,” she said. “They know for sure that it’s a bad idea.”
She warned that any attempt to change presidential term limits would threaten Ghana’s democracy.
