National Executive Hopefuls, Okada Riders and Gheto Youth take Fight to Gain
By Prince Ahenkorah
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to stage its much-publicized “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration on Thursday, August 6, insisting that recent political and judicial developments pose a threat to Ghana’s democratic principles.
The protest, according to the party, is intended to challenge what it describes as the arbitrary arrest and treatment of some of its members and to express dissatisfaction with the acquittal of former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe.
As anticipation builds ahead of the demonstration, some motorcycle riders, popularly known as “Okada riders”, and “ghetto boys”, say such political events often provide opportunities to earn money.
In an informal conversation with some Okada riders in Accra, several claimed that major political demonstrations usually generate business for them, either through transporting protesters or other activities associated with large public gatherings.
One rider referenced the recent protest demanding the release of Dennis Miracles Aboagye at the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
He alleged that some participants received financial compensation for taking part but declined to disclose the amount involved.
His claim echoes comments made by a young woman who gained widespread attention in a viral video during the “Free Miracles Aboagye” protest.
In a subsequent media interview, she claimed she received GH¢300 for participating in the demonstration.
Some Okada riders and youth expressed hope that Thursday’s demonstration would create similar economic opportunities. Several suggested that political protests often translate into temporary income for transport operators and unemployed youth who join or provide services during such events.
Meanwhile, the planned protest has attracted criticism from political commentators and government officials.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has dismissed the NPP’s planned demonstration as a political strategy aimed at rebuilding the party’s image rather than addressing genuine threats to democracy.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, August 5, Prof. Gyampo argued that Ghana’s democratic system remains intact and accused the opposition of attempting to create the impression that the country’s democratic institutions are under siege.
“Ghana’s democracy is thriving and not under siege. Any attempt at busing people to walk, under the guise of demonstration to trumpet it as being under attack, is a useless face-saving tactic by leaders who currently face a legitimacy deficit in their party,” he wrote.
Despite the criticism, the NPP insists the demonstration is a constitutional exercise intended to defend democratic governance, protect civil liberties and demand accountability from the government.
Former National Youth Organiser of the NPP, Anthony Abayifaa Karbo, has defended the planned march, describing it as a civic responsibility rather than a partisan political event.
According to the former Lawra Member of Parliament, the demonstration is intended to remind the government that political power ultimately belongs to the people and that leaders must remain accountable throughout their tenure.
“This is not about politics. This is about principle. We are demonstrating on Thursday to remind them that power belongs to the people. Let’s meet on Thursday, August 6, 2026,” he stated while calling on Ghanaians from all walks of life to participate.
Mr. Karbo maintained that the issues being raised transcend party politics and touch on broader concerns about justice, accountability and respect for democratic rights.
The NPP argues that the acquittal of Sedina Tamakloe, together with what it describes as the arbitrary arrest and treatment of some of its members, raises important questions about fairness and the rule of law that warrant public attention.
The New Republic has observed a growing trend ahead of the demonstration, with some regional and national aspirants within the party using the event as an opportunity to advance their political campaigns.
Several flyers circulating ahead of the protest carry messages such as “Join me on 6th August 2026 at the Democracy Under Attack Demo,” featuring images of prominent contenders vying for various positions within the party.
While the demonstration is intended to express grievances and draw attention to issues raised by the organisers, some aspirants appear to be leveraging the platform to increase their visibility and strengthen their campaign efforts ahead of internal party contests. The NPP “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration is scheduled to start at the Supreme Court and conclude at Jubilee House.