Abraham Koomson has urged the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to take a critical look at Ghana’s electoral laws and emerging legal and political issues ahead of the 2028 general elections, warning that the party cannot afford to repeat mistakes that could undermine the electoral process.
According to Mr. Koomson, the NDC should use its experienced lawyers and legal experts to thoroughly review electoral laws introduced during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He argued that some of those laws were designed to favour the then governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and should therefore be carefully examined to determine whether they remain appropriate for a fair and credible electoral system.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme in Accra, Mr. Koomson said the NDC legal team must also study relevant Supreme Court decisions, particularly those concerning electoral qualifications and the documents required to establish a person’s eligibility.
He said the party should not wait until the 2028 elections are close before addressing such matters.
«“The election is 2028; it is just around the corner. The NDC lawyers should sit down and look carefully at every legal issue that could affect the party and the electoral process,” he said.»
NDC Must Protect the Electoral Process
Mr. Koomson also criticised what he described as inconsistencies in the approach of political parties to democratic principles.
He argued that political parties must respect their own rules and procedures if they expect the wider electoral system and democratic institutions to be respected.
He stressed that protecting the sanctity of Ghana’s electoral process requires political parties to demonstrate commitment to the rules governing their own activities.
NPP’s August 6 Demonstration
Touching on the NPP’s demonstration on August 6, Mr. Koomson questioned the timing of the protest, given that the country was observing a national mourning event following the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians.
He said the NPP could have selected another date for the demonstration and joined the government and other Ghanaians in mourning the deceased.
According to him, political parties have a democratic right to organise demonstrations and express dissatisfaction with government policies, but such rights should be exercised with sensitivity to important national occasions.
He said the decision to demonstrate on a day when the nation was mourning raised questions about political judgement and maturity.
«“If they wanted to demonstrate, why couldn’t they choose another day? Why not join the government and the rest of the country to mourn those who lost their lives?” he questioned.»
Police Also Had a Responsibility
Mr. Koomson, however, said the police administration could also have done more to prevent the situation.
Having organised several demonstrations himself, he explained that the police routinely engage organisers over proposed demonstration dates and can advise them to reschedule when there are significant events or security concerns.
He therefore questioned why the police would give clearance for a demonstration on a day that had already been designated for a major national event.
He said better communication between the police and the organisers could have prevented the controversy.
Mr. Koomson stressed that his criticism was not aimed at denying the NPP its democratic right to protest, but rather at the manner in which the date was handled.
Democracy and the Right to Protest
Mr. Koomson also defended the right of citizens and political parties to demonstrate.
He recalled his participation in demonstrations in Tema over concerns surrounding the sale of the SSNIT Hotel, saying protesters were exercising their democratic right to petition the government.
He alleged that the police response during one such demonstration included the use of tear gas and restrictions on the movement of protesters.
He therefore called for consistency from political actors when discussing democracy and civil liberties.
«“People have the democratic right to register their displeasure. Demonstrations are part of democracy, and the Public Order Act provides the legal framework for them,” he said.»
Concern Over Arrests and Free Speech
Mr. Koomson further raised concerns about the arrest and prosecution of some outspoken political activists and party supporters.
He said investigations into alleged offences should be allowed to proceed, but insisted that such processes must not become instruments of political persecution.
He maintained that Ghana’s democracy must protect freedom of expression while ensuring that anyone who breaks the law is dealt with through due process.
He consequently warned both the NDC and NPP to be careful about the precedents they establish while in government because political power changes hands.
«“Today you may be in government, but tomorrow you may be in opposition. Whatever standards you establish today can come back to affect you tomorrow,” he cautioned.»
Mr. Koomson concluded by calling on political leaders and state institutions to demonstrate greater maturity, consistency and respect for democratic institutions.
He said protecting Ghana’s democracy must remain a collective responsibility and urged political parties to avoid actions that could weaken public confidence in the country’s democratic and electoral institutions.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah