Following the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) massive demonstration on Thursday, Jennifer Oforiwaa Queen, the party's deputy national communications director, has questioned what she sees as the media's misdirected attention.
She questioned why public conversations had turned to Nana Yaa Jantuah, who works at the President's office, rather than what she claimed was the massive turnout for the NPP's nonviolent demonstration.
Jennifer Queen claimed that because hundreds of people peacefully marched to voice their concerns, the protest was an important democracy exercise deserving of more national attention.
She contended that rather than personal conversations or remarks about Nana Yaa Jantuah, the protest's scope, structure, and nonviolent character ought to have dominated public conversation.
Her remarks coincide with ongoing political debates in the wake of the NPP's statewide demonstration against issues it claims jeopardize Ghana's democratic government. Party officials maintain that the event was meant to send a strong message to the administration, calling it one of the biggest opposition-led protests in recent memory.
Additionally, Jennifer Queen's comments rekindle her long-standing media disputes with Nana Yaa Jantuah. The two have previously disagreed on political matters during radio conversations.
As discussions continue, the NPP maintains that the central issue should remain the message conveyed by the thousands of demonstrators rather than the personalities involved in post-demonstration commentary.
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The NPP demonstration was a protest to what the party describes as threats to Ghana's democracy, constitutional freedoms, and the alleged intimidation of opposition members by state institutions. Party leaders said the march was intended to defend democratic governance and fundamental rights rather than promote violence or unrest.
According to the NPP, the key issues behind the demonstration included:
- Alleged political intimidation and harassment of opposition figures.
- Concerns about freedom of speech and freedom of expression.
- Claims of selective justice and the alleged misuse of state institutions against political opponents.
- Calls for the government to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.
The protest reportedly attracted thousands of supporters who marched peacefully through parts of Accra before presenting a petition to the relevant authorities.
Jennifer Oforiwaa Queen's argument on Adom FM was that the scale and message of the demonstration should have received more public attention than discussions surrounding Nana Yaa Jantuah's comments.