Politics of Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Selective application of law endangers democracy - Salam Mustapha

Alex Segbefia (L) receiving the petition from Salam Mustapha (R) with red headgear play videoAlex Segbefia (L) receiving the petition from Salam Mustapha (R) with red headgear

The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mohammed Mustapha, has cautioned the government to be wary of what he calls the "selective application of law and justice," which he claims is gaining notoriety in recent times.

In his view, these two have a high potential for endangering the country's democratic gains if not properly checked, cautioning that "this cannot be a just society and this cannot build a viable, thriving, beautiful democracy that works for all of us."

He has therefore appealed to the government to bring state institutions that have become conduits for such behaviour under control, to end the abuse of the rights of all citizens, particularly members of the NPP.

Salam Mustapha stated this when he delivered a petition to the presidency after leading the youth wing of his party in a demonstration against what they termed as an abuse of incumbency on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.


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Presenting the petition at the Jubilee House, Mustapha cited a recent development in which some individuals were arrested for allegedly issuing threats against the president.

He alleged that the accused persons were detained for more than the constitutionally required 48 hours, suspecting that this happened because they were perceived to be members of the NPP.

He said, "Mr President, it would interest you to know that these ladies were kept for 96 hours before they were put before the court, and even when we told the court that the 48-hour rule had been broken, the court still admitted them into police custody for two weeks."

"Mr President, this is so gross, so wrong. We cannot treat the very young people, the budding teeming youth of our country, in such a disgusting manner. And I know that in your conscience, you know it is not right," He added.

Sharing his frustrations, he alleged that any time members of the ruling party erred on the side of the law, they were treated with "kid gloves," citing an incident that occurred during the Akwatia by-election to support his claims.

According to him, a communication team member of the NDC allegedly threatened the lives of minority leader, Afenyo-Markin, among others, but he was not even invited by the police for questioning.

Meanwhile, he alleged that state security agencies were always ready to deploy undemocratic principles to effect the arrests of members of the opposition party.

"Your Excellency, this petition is yours to go through, and we demand of you to immediately ask the security agencies to stop the Rambo-style arrest of individuals and apply the law equitably and fairly," he demanded.

He mentioned categorically that "The flagrant abuse of power, selective application of the law, and selective injustice is becoming one too many. That endangers the democracy we are all enjoying."

"That is why we are presenting this petition to you, that ensure fairness amongst the good people of Ghana, as you swore to do right to all manner of persons when you took the oath of office.

Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia, who received the petition, said, "Our president has always been a democratic, fair leader, following the principles and processes of democracy."

"So, we will look at all the items that you have sent, and I believe everything is within the petition itself, and it will be given the appropriate recognition and points that it requires," he stated.



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