The Unseen Courage of Two NDC Leaders: A Bold Critique of Ghana’s Justice System and the Silence of the Ruling Party
On May 28, 2026, two senior officials of Ghana’s opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) broke party ranks to deliver searing critiques of the nation’s justice system, highlighting systemic abuses in remand practices and bail conditions that they argue violate constitutional guarantees and undermine public trust.
Mohammed Muntaka, Interior Minister, spoke in Parliament, condemning the arbitrary use of remand — where individuals are detained pending trial often on flimsy pretexts — as a tool of punishment rather than a procedural safeguard. He cited instances where police impose excessive bail conditions that accused persons cannot meet, effectively incarcerating them before trial. Muntaka called for constitutional amendments to restrict remand practices and advocated for the implementation of the Community Service Bill to reduce prison congestion.
Later the same day, at the funeral of Dr. Mahama Sayibu in Tamale, Haruna Iddrisu, Education Minister and former Minority Leader, denounced the denial of bail and punitive bail conditions imposed by police, courts, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He stressed that such practices contravene the fundamental presumption of innocence enshrined in Ghana’s constitution and international human rights norms, urging authorities to uphold professionalism, fairness, and equal treatment regardless of political or social status.
These concerns come amid ongoing efforts to modernize Ghana’s judicial infrastructure, such as the near‑completion of the Wa Regional Court Complex, which aims to alleviate systemic pressures on the justice system.
Despite the gravity of their allegations, the NDC leadership has remained publicly silent for three weeks, raising questions about the party’s internal stance on these issues. The silence contrasts with the historical precedent set by former President John Mahama, who has previously intervened in governance matters, such as vetoing attempts to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor. Analysts speculate that the leadership’s restraint may stem from a desire to avoid intra‑party conflict, ongoing private discussions, or a preference for internal resolution to prevent potential destabilization.
The ministers’ warnings come amid longstanding concerns about indefinite detention and punitive bail practices in Ghana’s legal landscape. They argue that the current system erodes public trust in the judiciary risks escalating arbitrary enforcement, and perpetuates perceptions of selective justice based on political affiliation. Conversely, decisive action by the NDC leadership or executive branch could restore confidence and demonstrate accountability across state institutions.
The courage displayed by Muntaka and Iddrisu in speaking truth to power, despite potential political repercussions, underscores a growing frustration even within party ranks over justice system failures. Their legally grounded critiques serve as a call for urgent reform, placing the onus on the NDC to align its actions with its professed principles of equity and rule of law.
Image Source: GHANAMMA
