National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, is raising red flags over what he describes as early signs of authoritarianism under President John Dramani Mahama’s second tenure.
Speaking in a media interview, Mustapha expressed deep concern about what he says is the misuse of state security agencies to intimidate political opponents and instill fear among citizens—an approach he argues contradicts Mahama’s pledge to “reset the system.”
“Ghanaians were promised a new legacy. What we are seeing instead is political witch-hunting and growing repression,” he lamented.
Mustapha recounted recent incidents where heavily armed operatives allegedly stormed homes of NPP loyalists, calling such actions undemocratic and a threat to civil liberties. He warned that such tactics, if left unchecked, could endanger even journalists and members of the judiciary.
“The media should not cheer this on,” he cautioned. “What’s happening to opposition members today could happen to journalists and civil servants tomorrow.”
He also urged state security agencies to resist being drawn into partisan games, emphasizing that political power is fleeting. “Governments change, but the stain of abuse remains. Security personnel must act professionally, not politically,” Mustapha added.
The Youth Organiser’s comments come amid rising political tensions, prompting renewed debates about democratic accountability and the role of state institutions in safeguarding rights.
