“Democracy Under Siege?” Ghana’s Political Tension Explodes as NPP, NDC Clash Over Arrests, Dumsor and Free Speech

Ghana’s political atmosphere has taken a dramatic turn as tensions between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) continue to intensify over allegations of intimidation, economic hardship, and the return of “dumsor” power outages.

The latest political storm erupted after former Vice President and NPP flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia accused the current government of suppressing free speech and targeting opposition members through arrests and intimidation. His comments have triggered heated debate across the country, with many Ghanaians questioning whether political tolerance in Ghana is weakening.

According to reports, Dr. Bawumia alleged that several NPP supporters and communicators have been arrested or detained under what he described as unfair conditions since the NDC returned to power in January 2025. He specifically mentioned cases involving social media activist David Essandoh and Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC. 

The opposition insists these actions are politically motivated and designed to silence criticism against the government. NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong even warned that the party could respond “in a similar fashion” if the alleged harassment continues and the NPP eventually returns to power. 

The arrest and remand of Abronye DC has become one of the most controversial political developments this week. The NPP claims the move is an attack on democracy and freedom of expression, while government supporters argue that no citizen should be above the law regardless of political affiliation. 

At the center of the political drama is the growing frustration over electricity challenges commonly referred to as “dumsor.” The Minority in Parliament recently petitioned President John Dramani Mahama over persistent power outages, cocoa pricing concerns, and issues at the Environmental Protection Authority. The petition accused the government of failing to address worsening conditions affecting ordinary citizens. 

The return of dumsor has reopened old political wounds in Ghana. Many Ghanaians remember the severe energy crisis that became a major issue during Mahama’s previous administration. Social media discussions show rising public frustration, with citizens complaining about long hours without electricity and economic hardship. 

Adding more fuel to the political fire, former Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has filed a GH¢20 million defamation lawsuit against broadcaster Salifu Maase and TV XYZ over allegations linking him to deliberate power outages in the Ashanti Region. The accusations spread widely online after claims surfaced that some NPP politicians allegedly attempted to sabotage electricity supply for political reasons. NAPO has strongly denied the allegations and is demanding retractions and damages. 

Meanwhile, another major political battle is unfolding over the Bank of Ghana’s financial reports. A fierce disagreement has erupted between NPP MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi over the central bank’s reported losses. While government officials insist the losses stand at GH¢15.6 billion, the Minority argues the actual figure is much higher at GH¢34.9 billion. 

Political analysts say the disagreement reflects deeper concerns about transparency and economic management under the current administration. The debate has dominated radio discussions and social media platforms, with supporters from both parties fiercely defending their positions.

Parliament itself has also become a stage for dramatic political confrontations. Earlier this year, Minority MPs protested during the State of the Nation Address by carrying cocoa pods and wearing black sashes to symbolize what they called the suffering of cocoa farmers and rising hardship in the country. 

Outside Parliament, ordinary Ghanaians appear increasingly frustrated with both major political parties. Discussions on social media platforms reveal growing public disappointment with the constant political battles while economic challenges continue to affect citizens. Some users argue that both the NDC and NPP focus more on political rivalry than solving national problems. 

At the same time, Ghana’s controversial anti-LGBTQ legislation has returned to Parliament, creating another politically sensitive debate. Lawmakers have reintroduced the bill despite international criticism and warnings about possible economic consequences from global financial institutions. 

Political observers believe Ghana is entering one of its most polarized periods in recent years. With rising economic pressures, power supply concerns, corruption allegations, and increasing political hostility, many fear the country’s democratic stability could face serious tests ahead of the next elections.

Despite the heated exchanges, civil society organizations continue to call for calm, tolerance, and respect for democratic principles. Many citizens hope political leaders will focus on national development rather than deepening divisions.

For now, the political drama continues to dominate headlines across Ghana, with every new statement, arrest, and accusation pushing tensions even higher. Whether these confrontations will strengthen democracy through accountability or weaken national unity remains one of the biggest questions facing the country today.

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