NPP’s demonstration was aimed at regaining political relevance – Ing. Abeiku Hayford

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary hopeful, Ing. Abeiku Hayford, has described the recent demonstration by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as an attempt by the opposition party to regain political relevance.

According to him, the demonstration did not reflect a genuine threat to Ghana’s democracy, arguing that the NPP’s ability to organise the protest peacefully demonstrated that democratic freedoms remained intact.

Speaking in an interview with Kesmi FM in Tamale, Ing. Hayford said the NPP should rather concentrate on issues that matter to Ghanaians instead of creating what he described as unnecessary political tensions.

“I believe the NPP made a mockery of themselves with yesterday’s demonstration. It appeared more like an attempt to regain political relevance than a genuine fight for democracy,” he said.

He questioned the basis for the opposition party’s claim that democracy was under threat, pointing out that the protesters were able to secure police protection, march through the streets, address the media and return home peacefully.

“The very fact that the NPP was able to organize a demonstration peacefully and freely is itself evidence that democracy in Ghana is alive and functioning,” he stated.

Ing. Hayford, however, acknowledged the constitutional right of Ghanaians to demonstrate, stressing that the Mahama administration respects the right to peaceful assembly.

He urged political parties to use their platforms to contribute to national development rather than manufacture crises for political attention.

“Ghanaians want peace, stability, and development. They expect politicians to focus on improving their lives, not manufacturing crises for political attention,” he said.

The NDC stalwart further urged the opposition to allow Ghana’s democratic institutions to function without unnecessarily portraying lawful actions by state institutions as attacks on democracy.

He maintained that the country’s democratic system remains strong and that the government is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.

“Our democracy is strong, our institutions are functioning, and the Mahama administration remains committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of every Ghanaian while ensuring that no one is above the law,” Ing. Hayford added.