The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has petitioned the Commonwealth of Nations over “persecution” of its members by the Akufo-Addo government.
In a press conference held in Accra on Monday, February 28, 2022, the General Secretary of the opposition party, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said their petition is however based on “harassment, criminal persecution and human rights violations” against some of its leading members including its National Chairman, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo.
He said, this has really resulted in gaining a bad name for Ghana as many nations describe Ghana’s governance as a bad one.
According to him, Ghana became a member of the Commonwealth since 1957 under Kwame Nkrumah governance and made sure he sustain a common right for every Ghanaian.
He added that, Jerry John Rawlings, took over after the death of Nkrumah and also made sure he played a very vital role in the organization in order for Ghana to gain respect in the Commonwealth. But under Akufo-Addo led government, it is however vice vesa because according to him, Akufo-Addo hates criticism.
“There are some practices that are not in accordance with good governance and the principles of the Commonwealth so we have petitioned them to take the appropriate action,” he said.
He further noted that, “Membership to the Commonwealth means the member state must adhere to good governance, so if you are not practicing good governance, you can be suspended like we saw in Zimbabwe and elsewhere”.