Atta Akyea says NPP’s protest seeks to highlight threats to Ghana’s democracy

Former Member of Parliament Samuel Atta Akyea, who hails from Abuakwa South, shed light on the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) "Democracy Under Attack" protest during a recent interview. The demonstration, which took place on Thursday, August 6, aimed to bring attention to growing concerns regarding Ghana's democratic values under the presidency of John Dramani Mahama.

In his statement, Mr. Akyea emphasized that the protest sought to remind citizens and political leaders that democracy must be safeguarded, irrespective of the party in power. He underscored the importance of Ghanaians speaking out when they perceive democratic principles, encompassing freedom of expression and respect for differing viewpoints, are under threat.

The former legislator stressed that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy and expressed apprehension over what he perceived as efforts to silence those who voice opinions opposing the government. He clarified that the primary objective of the demonstration was to highlight that democracy is under attack and, if the experienced politician currently leading the nation were to undermine democratic norms, the populace should rise to rectify the situation.

According to Mr. Akyea, it is of utmost significance that democracy is practiced in a manner befitting the occasion. He cautioned that if individuals with opposing views are targeted on television or social media, and subsequently silenced, the nation would be regressing to its previous state. Mr. Akyea took part in the NPP's "Democracy Under Attack" protest, an event that saw the assembly of NPP officials, Members of Parliament, supporters, and sympathizers who marched through various parts of Accra to express their concerns over what they deemed threats to democratic governance, the rule of law, and civil liberties.