Omanghana
The leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), Janet Asana Nabla, has criticized President John Dramani Mahama over the treatment of women critics, accusing his administration of using state security agencies to discourage dissent.
Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline program, Nabla described the President as pretentious and deceitful, arguing that his public expressions of compassion were inconsistent with the conduct she attributed to his government.
Her remarks followed the “Women’s Voices Matter” demonstration in Accra, where participants raised concerns about arrests, freedom of expression and the treatment of women.
Nabla alleged that women facing court proceedings were being subjected to intimidation because of their criticism of the administration. She also accused the governing National Democratic Congress of applying a different standard to dissent now that it holds power, arguing that its members had openly criticized the previous government while in opposition.
She questioned the sincerity of the President’s reported disapproval of arrests involving political commentators, maintaining that such statements did not address her concerns about the use of security agencies against critics. These claims represent Nabla’s allegations.
The September 29 demonstration brought together women affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party and representatives of other political organizations. Participants assembled at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Park before marching through the capital and presenting a petition at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Alongside Nabla, participants included National Democratic Party leader Betty Akuffo Amoabeng and Elizabeth Sam of the Liberal Party of Ghana. The protesters demanded justice, dignity, equality and stronger protection of their rights.
Among the cases highlighted during the march was that of Salomey Awity Baffoe, a 40-year-old mother of three arrested in connection with investigations into the social media account known as “Ghana Jollof” and subsequently brought before the courts.
The demonstration also attracted market women, hairdressers, dressmakers and head porters, reflecting participation beyond party leadership. Organizers presented the protest as a broader demand for women to express their views and participate in public life without intimidation.
Source: Omanghana
