The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, has accused the John Mahama government of using state institutions as political weapons to orchestrate harassment and intimidation against its members.
Justin Kodua, speaking at a press conference in Accra, lamented the Mahama government’s continuous interference in the work of the security agencies and sections of the judiciary.
According to Justin Kodua, state institutions, which are supposed to operate independently, have become political weapons used to silence critics and opposition voices.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, stated, “The party has held demonstrations and numerous press conferences reminding President John Mahama and his government that we are a nation of rule of law”.
“We have asked the NDC government to stop its continuous weaponisation of the state security and the judiciary against political opponents.”
He added that despite several appeals from the NPP, the government has remained deaf to calls for fairness.
Justin Kodua argued that Ghana’s democracy is being “slowly poisoned by the abuse of power.”
“It is increasingly concerning that the state security agencies continue to flout with impunity the Constitution of Ghana, particularly Article 14. Unfortunately, all our calls are falling on deaf ears, but as a party we shall not back down on our resolve to fight this injustice,” he emphasised.
Also, Sam Pyne, a former Ashanti Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Kumasi Mayor, has warned the NDC-led government over their excessive bail conditions in recent corruption-related cases.
According to Sam Pyne, if such trends continue, the next NPP government might as well launch a One District, One EOCO Office initiative.
He further warned that when the NPP comes to power, the NDC appointees will have to bring the crucified Christ on the cross as their bail conditions.
Mr Pyne urged State authorities to be measured and fair in everything as they pursue justice.
He warned that excessive bail terms could erode public confidence in the legal process.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Tuesday, Sam Pyne stated, “With what is happening now, maybe when NPP comes into power, we’ll build EOCO offices in every district, office by office, department by department. The bail condition unless they bring the crucified Christ on the cross before they will be allowed to go”.
He further expressed worry about the over GH¢800 million bail imposed on the former NSA boss, whom he described as his own brother.
“Imagine my own brother Osei Assibey’s GH¢800 million bail and six sureties to be justified. That is a lot. We may laugh about it, but it is no joke,” he moaned.
Mr Pyne explained that bail conditions should not be too punitive
“I believe bail conditions shouldn’t be punitive because we can even take people’s passports. There’s no way someone can travel with a passport or even apply for a new one without their biometric data showing up,” Mr Pyne explained.
His remarks come on the back of Osei-Assibey Antwi being granted bail in the sum of GHC800 million, with six sureties.
The case presided over by Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie on Thursday granted the accused a GHC800 million bail with six sureties required to provide landed property equivalent to the bail amount as security.
Osei-Assibey Antwi, as part of his bail condition, is expected to deposit all passports at the Court Registry. He has also been placed on a stop list pending.