The Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has claimed that during the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, protesters were not permitted to approach the Flagstaff House with petitions.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana with host Moro Awudu, Mr Pratt contrasted the past with the present, saying the administration of President John Dramani Mahama has allowed greater space for demonstrators.
“Demonstrators could not go to the Flagstaff House a few years ago,” he said, adding that the current government’s approach reflects a stronger commitment to democracy.
Mr Pratt also argued that threats directed at President Mahama and his wife have gone beyond mere insults, stressing the need for political actors to condemn such behaviour.
His comments followed a demonstration staged on Tuesday, September 23, by the youth wing of the New Patriotic Party. The protest, named Yɛn Suro Ahunahuna, which translates as “We are not afraid of intimidation,” began at Obra Spot near Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Organisers said the march was a stand against oppression and a call to defend democracy, freedom, and justice, urging young people to join their cause.
Responding to Mr Pratt’s remarks, Collins Adomako-Mensah, Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre, said the former president also faced threats during his time in office.
“I have evidence of people threatening the former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” he insisted.
