The spokesperson for New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has defended the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, arguing that the protest is aimed at protecting free speech and Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Ahead of the nationwide demonstration scheduled for Thursday, August 6, Mr Aboagye said many Ghanaians were increasingly concerned about the country’s democratic environment and the ability of citizens to express their views without fear.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News on Wednesday, August 5, he said the protest was intended to draw attention to what the NPP considers growing threats to constitutional governance, the rule of law and freedom of expression.
Mr Aboagye stated that he personally felt unsafe because of his outspoken role in public debate and political commentary.
“I don’t feel safe. I won’t lie to you. I told you I have written to the Chief Justice. I personally don’t feel safe because I talk and I can’t stop talking. I love to talk, and I love to debate,” he said.
He argued that no Ghanaian should fear consequences for expressing opinions in a democratic society.
According to him, the concerns he expressed were shared by many supporters expected to participate in the demonstration.
“That is how most of them feel. That if we don’t have anything in Ghana, it is our free speech. It is our democracy. It is the fact that we are able to freely express ourselves without any fear of being targeted,” he added.
Mr Aboagye maintained that the protest was not only about partisan politics but also about defending democratic values and ensuring that constitutional rights remain protected.
The NPP has announced that the “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration will focus on issues relating to the rule of law, constitutional governance and the protection of fundamental freedoms in Ghana.
