Deputy Minority Speaker Patricia Appiagyei has expressed frustration about attempts by the Majority side to use the Minority’s size against them.
She also criticized the politicization of state institutions under the current National Democratic Congress government, warning that recent developments point to growing misuse of security agencies and judicial processes.
According to her, the opposition has repeatedly raised these concerns, but the government has failed to address them.
Speaking at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) headquarters in Accra on December 3, during the official unveiling of the party’s amended constitution, Patricia Appiagyei said the pattern of state interference under the Mahama administration was deeply troubling.
“Another worrying development under the current NDC administration is the apparent politicization of state institutions which we must look at,” she said.
“Particularly the misuse of the security agencies and the judiciary against the opposition,” she added.
Patricia Appiagyei noted that the opposition had made several appeals to the President to end this but to no avail.
“We have consistently called on President John Mahama and his government to halt the continuous weaponization of the state security,” she said.
“Unfortunately those calls have fallen on deaf ears. We have witnessed actions that are unprecedented and deeply troubling in Ghana’s history,” she stated.
Referencing the suspension and dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, she said the development raised serious questions about Executive interference in independent state institutions.
She however assured that, despite the Minority’s smaller numbers in Parliament, the caucus remained resolute.
“We may be small in number but we are mightier in our resort. The Minority Caucus remains rock solid united behind our leader and absolutely determined to hold the Mahama government accountable,” she noted.
Ms. Appiagyei stressed that efforts by the Majority to take advantage of their reduced numbers had failed.
“In fact, attempts by the majority to exploit our smaller size have only backfired. Minority Caucus cannot be intimidated we are strong and United, and at extra pressure will only strengthen our bonds,” she said.
There are currently 87 New Patriotic Party (NPP) or Minority Members of Parliament, against the 185 Majority National Democratic Congress (NDC).
