How is democracy under attack? You held demo, submitted petition at Presidency – Kwakye Ofosu asks NPP

Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu refuted the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) assertion that democracy is under threat under the present administration, highlighting recent events that underscore citizens' ongoing ability to protest and criticize the government. The NPP criticized the government for employing state investigative and security agencies to target opposition members through arbitrary arrests, detention, and harassment.

However, Mr. Ofosu clarified that the NPP's privilege to demonstrate and submit a petition at the Jubilee House disproved their claims. "It is not true that democracy is under attack because under the NPP, could anyone demonstrate and go to the Jubilee House?" he questioned. According to Mr. Ofosu, the fact that protesters were granted a direct meeting with the President's office demonstrates the government's respect for peaceful protest.

He recalled earlier demonstrations under the previous NPP government, where protesters were arrested for disturbing public order. "About 39 young people went on a demo against galamsey under the NPP, and they were arrested and remanded for disturbing public order, but these are normal in every demonstration," he added. Mr. Ofosu differentiated between criticism of the government and threats against public officials, emphasizing that while people criticize the government without fear of arrest, issuing threats against the President is unacceptable in any country.

He defended President John Mahama's tolerance towards political criticism, citing journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni as an example, who despite being a strong critic of Mahama, was granted access to the Jubilee House. Mr. Ofosu also highlighted that journalists Manasseh Azure Awuni and Sulemana Ibrahim, along with other civil society organizations, have had meetings with the President, demonstrating the government's openness to criticism.