NPP’s democracy claims are ‘much ado about nothing’ – Larry Dogbey

The NPP’s claim that Ghana’s democracy is under attack is “much ado about nothing,” Herald Managing Editor Larry Dogbey has said.

Mr Dogbey said the opposition party’s recent demonstration appeared to be more about rebuilding its political relevance than responding to an immediate threat to democratic governance.

He was speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, August 8.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) organised the demonstration to raise concerns about what it described as selective justice and to demand greater accountability in the handling of criminal prosecutions.

The party also raised concerns about the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, arguing that the process was politically motivated and posed a threat to Ghana’s democratic institutions.

But Mr Dogbey rejected the suggestion that the developments amounted to a democratic crisis.

“I think the NPP is just trying to make itself relevant in this matter,” he said.

He argued that the NPP’s current activities should be considered in the context of its transition from government to opposition following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

According to him, the party is now looking for ways to remain prominent in national political discussions and reconnect with the electorate.

Mr Dogbey also referred to controversies that surrounded the NPP’s eight-year administration, including allegations of corruption, nepotism, illegal mining and economic mismanagement.

He said those issues were among the concerns that shaped public debate before the 2024 elections and contributed to the party’s loss of power.

The latest demonstration, he suggested, forms part of the opposition party’s broader attempt to regain public attention.

The journalist also challenged the argument that the removal of a Chief Justice necessarily threatens the survival of the judiciary or Ghana’s democratic system.

He said judicial institutions should continue to operate irrespective of the person occupying the position of Chief Justice.

His comments followed renewed debate over the circumstances surrounding the removal of Mrs Torkornoo and the legal processes associated with the matter.

The NPP has maintained that the process was politically motivated and could weaken confidence in the independence of the judiciary.

Mr Dogbey, however, pointed to the various stages of the legal process involving the former Chief Justice.

“She went through a certain procedure. She’s been in court several times, High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court. And every now and then the decisions that come out of that, it’s there for everybody to analyse and make sense out of,” he said.

He said those proceedings provided an opportunity for the decisions taken to be examined and assessed by the public.

Mr Dogbey’s comments come as the NPP continues to scrutinise decisions taken by the John Mahama administration and use public demonstrations to highlight its concerns.

The opposition party has said its actions are aimed at defending democratic principles and demanding accountability from the government.

The government and its supporters, however, have rejected suggestions that democratic freedoms are being restricted.

Mr Dogbey said political parties were entitled to criticise government and organise demonstrations, but questioned whether those activities provided sufficient grounds to conclude that Ghana’s democracy was under threat.

He said the ability of the NPP to organise a public demonstration and openly present its concerns was itself part of the democratic process.

The debate over the protest has therefore extended beyond the specific issues raised by the NPP to questions about the state of Ghana’s democratic institutions.

Mr Dogbey maintains that the country’s institutions must be judged by how they function under the law rather than by changes involving individual office holders.

His assessment is that the NPP’s present challenge is primarily political: to rebuild its support base and demonstrate its relevance after its return to opposition.