NDC failing in galamsey fight, abusing state power – NPP

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has taken a swipe at the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing it of failing to deliver on its major campaign promises and abusing the authority of the state.

Speaking on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, during the unveiling of the NPP’s amended constitution in Accra, Kodua said Ghanaians entrusted the NDC with an “overwhelming mandate” in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections with the expectation that the party would curb illegal mining, promote ethical governance, and enhance national security.

However, he argued that almost a year into the administration, those expectations have not been met.

According to him, illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—has worsened under the current government, posing what he described as an “existential threat” to Ghana’s environment and future.

Kodua further accused the government of weaponising state institutions to intimidate political opponents and suppress critical media voices.

“We have witnessed escalating abuse of incumbency and state-sponsored intimidation of political opponents in the media,” he said.

He also criticised the alleged use of nolle prosequi to discontinue cases involving NDC members accused of misappropriating state funds, saying it forms part of a broader attempt to “capture institutions,” including the judiciary, and challenge parliamentary seats won by the NPP.

Touching on the judiciary, Kodua referenced the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, claiming it has contributed to an atmosphere where judges feel unsafe delivering judgments independently.

“Unfortunately, the judiciary, which is supposed to be the last vanguard of the rule of law, has sadly been captured by the executive,” he asserted.

“Today, in Ghana, judges fear delivering justice according to the law because they fear they will also suffer the same consequences as Justice Torkonoo did.”

Kodua maintained that the NPP’s amended constitution positions the party to respond more effectively to national issues and defend democratic institutions ahead of the 2028 elections.