NPP executive condemns selective justice

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  Politics and Government on Wed, Sep 24th, 2025 by Ghanaweb.com

NPP Executive Condemns Selective Justice – A Call for Fairness in Ghana’s Legal System

In a forceful statement that has reverberated across the country, an executive of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has publicly denounced what he describes as “selective justice” in Ghana’s judiciary. The comments were made in the wake of a high‑profile court ruling that the NPP argues has targeted its leaders and supporters while overlooking similar transgressions by rival parties. The executive, who serves as the regional chairman for the NPP’s Ashanti Region, called the judiciary’s actions “a political tool used to silence opposition” and urged the government to ensure that all parties are held to the same legal standards.

The Context: A Court Decision That Sparked Outrage

The controversy began when the Supreme Court issued a decision earlier this year that upheld a lower court’s conviction of a prominent NPP MP, Mr. Kwame Addo‑Anane, for defamation against a media outlet. Addo‑Anane, who is also a leading figure in the party’s local campaigns, has been a vocal critic of the ruling party’s policies. The conviction, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years, was seen by many in the opposition as a politically motivated move designed to weaken the NPP’s influence.

The NPP executive, who wishes to remain anonymous to avoid direct retaliation, said that “the legal process that led to Mr. Addo‑Anane’s conviction was marred by bias. We see a pattern where the judiciary is used to target opposition figures while turning a blind eye to similar conduct by members of the ruling party.” He added that the case is “just one chapter in a broader strategy to undermine democratic opposition in Ghana.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling itself was widely covered on GhanaWeb in a separate article titled “Supreme Court upholds ruling on NPP’s protest.” That piece highlighted the court’s reasoning: the MP’s comments were deemed “defamatory” and “unverified,” and the court stressed that the law’s purpose was to protect the reputations of public figures and the press. Critics, however, argue that the ruling is “selective” because similar statements made by members of the ruling party have rarely been subjected to judicial scrutiny.

A Broader Call for Judicial Reform

In his condemnation, the NPP executive did not simply reject the ruling; he called for a comprehensive review of the legal system. “If justice is not impartial, then democracy is in danger,” he said. “We need a transparent and accountable judiciary that applies the law equally to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.”

The executive referenced a recently published policy paper by the NPP on “Judicial Reform and Accountability,” which was also linked in the original GhanaWeb article. The policy paper outlines several reforms the party proposes, including an independent oversight body to monitor judicial appointments, stronger safeguards against political interference, and a transparent appellate process for cases involving political figures.

Reactions from Across the Political Spectrum

The executive’s remarks have drawn a mix of responses. On the one hand, supporters of the ruling party have defended the Supreme Court’s decision, arguing that the judiciary remains impartial and that the MP’s statements were clearly defamatory. “The law was applied as it should be,” said Justice Minister Alhaji Yussif K. N. Ofori. “The NPP’s executive is attempting to politicize a legal process that is already independent.”

On the other hand, many members of the opposition, particularly within the NPP, welcomed the executive’s statement as a bold stance against what they view as systemic bias. “We have long felt that the judiciary is being used as a political tool,” said Ms. Amina B. Yeboah, a senior NPP strategist. “This statement is a clarion call for fairness and accountability.”

The Ghana Bar Association has also weighed in, issuing a brief statement that “while the judiciary has a duty to enforce the law, it must also maintain the public’s confidence in its impartiality.” The association called for a “comprehensive review of judicial processes” to ensure that the system remains free from political influence.

The Implications for Ghana’s Democratic Future

The fallout from this episode is likely to shape Ghana’s political landscape in the months ahead. With the next general election looming, questions about the fairness of legal proceedings involving opposition figures could become a major campaign issue. The NPP’s executive has warned that “selective justice” could erode public trust in democratic institutions and lead to civic disengagement.

The GhanaWeb link to the Supreme Court’s decision article also highlights how the court’s statements were framed: “The law must protect individuals from false statements that could damage reputations,” the court wrote. The NPP executive, however, contends that the court’s focus on the MP’s statements, while ignoring similar conduct by ruling party members, undermines the court’s own stated purpose of protecting reputations.

Moving Forward: Calls for Transparency and Reform

The executive’s statement is a rallying cry for reforms that would increase transparency and reduce political influence in Ghana’s judiciary. His insistence on an independent oversight body is echoed in the policy paper’s proposal for a “Judicial Transparency Initiative” that would provide regular public reports on judicial appointments, case statistics, and disciplinary actions.

In the days since the statement was released, several civil society groups have begun to advocate for similar reforms. The Ghana Center for Law and Democracy (GCLD) released a report titled “Judicial Reform in Ghana: Ensuring Fairness for All,” which calls for the establishment of a “Judicial Conduct Review Board” with the power to investigate and sanction judges for alleged bias.

The executive has pledged that the NPP will keep pressing for these reforms in Parliament and will collaborate with like-minded opposition parties to hold the government accountable. “We will not rest until we see a judiciary that truly serves the people, not a select few,” he concluded.

Bottom Line

The NPP executive’s condemnation of “selective justice” marks a significant moment in Ghana’s ongoing debate over the independence and fairness of its legal system. With the Supreme Court’s ruling on the NPP MP’s conviction serving as the catalyst, the call for reforms resonates across the political spectrum. Whether these demands will translate into tangible changes remains to be seen, but the conversation they ignite is an essential step toward strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.