The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has secured police approval for its planned NPP demonstration on August 6 against the acquittal and discharge of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu.
The demonstration, scheduled for Thursday, August 6, follows the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, overturning her earlier conviction and 10-year prison sentence imposed by the High Court.
Speaking to the media after obtaining police approval from the Greater Accra Regional Command, the NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, outlined the route for the planned demonstration.
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According to him, the NPP August 6 protest will begin at the Supreme Court before proceeding to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Jubilee House and Parliament.
The NPP says the demonstration is intended to draw public attention to what the party describes as selective justice, interference with the judiciary, the suppression of free speech and the erosion of democratic governance.
“On Friday, July 31, we submitted our notice to stage a mammoth demonstration over what we describe as selective justice, interference with the judiciary and the repressive bail conditions imposed on members of the opposition,” Nana B said.
He accused the government of undermining democratic principles and expressed concern over what he described as attacks on free speech and freedom of expression.
“Today, democracy is under attack. We are witnessing the suppression of free speech and the criminalisation of free expression. Our democracy is dying, and this is not what President Mahama promised,” he stated.
Nana B stated that the NPP plans to leverage the August 6 demonstration – subject to police approval -to push for enhanced safeguards for Ghana’s democratic institutions.
“We intend to stage this demonstration to press home our demand that democracy must be protected,” he said.
He disclosed that participants will assemble in front of the Supreme Court at 5:00 a.m. on Thursday before moving to the EOCO offices and then to Jubilee House.
The protesters will also present a petition to Parliament through a designated representative as part of the planned activities.
The NPP’s demonstration comes amid heightened political debate following the Court of Appeal’s decision in the case involving Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu.
The former MASLOC CEO was acquitted and discharged after the Court of Appeal overturned her conviction and 10-year prison sentence, a decision that has triggered strong reactions from the opposition party.
The NPP demonstration over Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu’s acquittal is expected to attract party supporters and other participants as the party seeks to raise concerns over what it considers threats to Ghana’s democracy and the rule of law.