'Citizens can question judges' - NPP asserts

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has defended its recent criticism of the judiciary, arguing that citizens have a constitutional right to question court decisions they believe are unfair or inconsistent with the law.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday, May 19 2026, the party’s Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, said concerns raised by the party over the handling of the case involving the Bono Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, were based on what they consider troubling inconsistencies in the judicial process.

“There has not been any circumstance where citizens cannot question the decision of a judge,” he said.

Mohammed rejected suggestions that the party’s comments amounted to an attack on judicial independence, insisting that public scrutiny of court decisions is an important part of ensuring accountability within the justice system.

According to him, some of the concerns being raised stem from what the party sees as unequal application of justice in different cases.

He claimed that individuals convicted in other matters had not faced the same level of treatment as Abronye DC, whose continued detention has sparked political debate and criticism from some members of the opposition.

Senior NPP figures, including presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, have strongly criticised the handling of the Abronye DC case. Bawumia described the remand as part of an “unholy collaboration” between the Executive, investigative agencies, and elements in the judiciary aimed at intimidating and silencing opposition voices.

Justin Frimpong Kodua condemned it as selective justice and political persecution that undermines due process and public confidence in the courts, while Afenyo-Markin launched a blistering personal attack on the presiding judge, declaring he had “no respect” for him, questioning his competence and impartiality, describing the remand as “censorship from the bench,” and vowing to continue criticising until the judge upholds the law.

Despite the concerns, Mohammed said the NPP would continue to respect the authority of the courts and allow the legal process to proceed.

“We will wait for the outcome of the court process, but we have the right to question,” he added.

NA/VPO