The NPP’s Troubling Shift from Rule of Law to Rule by Might
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has long positioned itself as the beacon of democratic principles in Ghana’s political landscape. Their unwavering commitment to the rule of law and due process has been a cornerstone of their brand, often used to contrast their approach with that of their political rivals. However, the party’s actions in the aftermath of the 2024 general elections have shattered this carefully cultivated image, revealing a disturbing double standard that threatens the very foundations of Ghana’s democracy.
In 2020, when the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenged the results of several parliamentary seats, including Techiman South, Hohoe, Tano North, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Sefwi Wiawso, Tema West, Essikado Ketan and Zabzugu, the NPP was quick to admonish them, stating that if they had issues, they should take the matter to court. This stance was presented as a demonstration to the party’s faith in the judicial system and its role in resolving electoral disputes. The NPP’s insistence on the NDC utilizing the legal channels to address their concerns was heralded as a shining example of their respect for democratic institutions and processes.
At the time, the NDC did indeed pursue legal action to challenge the results in these constituencies. In Techiman South, the party filed a petition with the High Court, alleging that the constituency’s Returning Officer had failed to declare the legitimate winner. Similarly, in Hohoe, the NDC challenged the legitimacy of the electoral process, citing irregularities and voter intimidation. The party also took legal action in Tano North, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Sefwi Wiawso, Tema West, Essikado Ketan and Zabzugu, where they claimed that the results were tainted by various forms of electoral malpractice.
It is important to note that the NPP had also challenged the results in several constituencies, including Buem, Kintampo North, Savelugu, Pusiga, Jomoro, Assin South, Banda and Krachi West, following the 2020 general elections. At that time, the party took legal action through the courts to dispute the outcomes in these seats.
However, the NPP’s approach has now taken a troubling turn. Following the 2024 elections, the party finds itself embroiled in a new set of electoral disputes, this time involving different constituencies. Yet, rather than heeding their own advice from 2020 and seeking redress through the judicial system as they had urged the NDC to do, the NPP has opted for alternative means to influence the outcomes in these newly contested seats.
This represents a clear abandonment of the principles of the rule of law that the party had previously championed. The NPP’s newfound reluctance to resort to the courts and their apparent willingness to exploit loopholes in the system call into question their commitment to the very principles they once upheld. Their actions in the aftermath of the 2024 elections stand in stark contrast to their insistence in 2020 that the NDC exhaust the legal process to challenge the results in Techiman South, Hohoe, Tano North, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Sefwi Wiawso, Tema West, Essikado Ketan and Zabzugu. This hypocrisy must be addressed, and the party must be held accountable for the shift from the rule of law to the rule by might, which threatens the very foundations of Ghana’s democracy.
The law in Ghana is clear: the declaration of results at the constituency level is the responsibility of the Constituency Returning Officer. However, we have witnessed instances where the NPP has bypassed this established procedure and sought to have results declared in their favour through other channels. This blatant disregard for the legal framework undermines the integrity of the electoral process and erodes public trust in the democratic institutions that are vital to the health of Ghana’s democracy.
The implications of such double standards are far-reaching and deeply concerning. By abandoning the judicial system and resorting to extra-legal tactics, the NPP is sending a dangerous message: that the rule of law is only applicable when it serves their interests, and that they are willing to manipulate the system to achieve their desired outcomes, regardless of the consequences. This shift from the rule of law to the rule by might is not only a betrayal of the NPP’s own principles but also a threat to the stability and progress of Ghana as a whole. If the party continues down this path, it will undoubtedly have detrimental consequences for the country’s democratic foundations, weakening the checks and balances that are essential for a thriving democracy.
The adage “what was good yesterday should be good today” holds true, and the NPP’s newfound reluctance to resort to the courts and their apparent willingness to exploit loopholes in the system call into question their commitment to the very principles they once championed. This hypocrisy must be addressed, and the party must be held accountable for their actions.
It is worth noting that the NDC’s pursuit of legal challenges in 2020 was not without its own controversies. The party faced criticism from some quarters for its perceived unwillingness to accept the legitimacy of the electoral outcomes, even after the courts had ruled on the matters. However, the fundamental difference between the NDC’s approach and the NPP’s current actions lies in the party’s adherence to the judicial process.
The NDC, despite its reservations, eventually respected the rulings of the courts, even if they did not agree with the decisions. In contrast, the NPP’s current actions suggest a blatant disregard for the rule of law, as they seek to bypass the established legal channels and manipulate the system to their advantage.
Ultimately, Ghana’s democracy deserves leaders who are willing to uphold the rule of law and respect the will of the people, regardless of the outcome. The NPP’s actions in the aftermath of the 2024 elections have fallen short of this standard, and they must reckon with the consequences of their choices. The future of Ghana’s democracy hangs in the balance, and the NPP’s actions will be a defining moment that will shape the country’s political landscape for years to come.
As the country grapples with this troubling shift in the NPP’s approach, it is crucial that all stakeholders, including civil society, the media, and the international community, closely monitor the situation and hold the party accountable for its actions. Ghana’s democratic progress must be safeguarded, and the principles of the rule of law must be upheld, regardless of the political affiliation of those in power.
The NPP’s transformation from champions of the rule of law to practitioners of the rule by might is a concerning development that threatens the very foundations of Ghana’s democracy. The party must heed the lessons of the past and return to the principles they once espoused, lest they risk irreparable damage to the country’s democratic institutions and the trust of the Ghanaian people. The NPP, which had full confidence in the rule of law (the court) yesterday, seems to have a different view about the same court today. If they truly believed in the judiciary, they would have run to the court to challenge the results in the constituencies where they have concerns, just as the NDC did in 2020.
Source: Innocent Samuel Appiah
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