Dominic Ayine dismisses NPP threats, says gov’t will protect freedoms

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice,, has strongly dismissed threats by the opposition (NPP) to make the country “ungovernable,” insisting that the government remains committed to democratic governance, the rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties while intensifying corruption-related prosecutions.

Dr Ayine made the remarks while responding to comments by the NPP’s National Youth Organiser,, who warned that the opposition party could be forced to adopt drastic measures if what he described as the continued harassment and intimidation of NPP members by state institutions was not halted.

Speaking to journalists, the Attorney-General said the government would not be intimidated or distracted by political rhetoric aimed at undermining ongoing anti-corruption efforts.

“As for the threat of arming themselves and making the country ungovernable, I think I will treat it with the contempt it deserves,” Dr Ayine stated.

“But as far as this government is concerned, I want to reiterate that we will respect the rights and freedoms of every Ghanaian,” he added.

The latest political tension follows remarks made by Mr Mustapha during a courtesy call by senior NPP officials on the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps on Tuesday, May 19. During the engagement, the opposition party reportedly raised concerns over recent political developments and alleged politically motivated actions against individuals associated with the previous administration.

According to the NPP youth organiser, the opposition would not remain passive while its members were allegedly targeted through investigations, prosecutions, and actions by state security institutions.

The NPP delegation further accused the government of creating an atmosphere of fear and intolerance that threatens democratic pluralism and political stability in the country.

Responding to suggestions that the government’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) anti-corruption initiative was failing, Dr Ayine firmly rejected the claims and maintained that the programme remains active and successful.

“You know, it’s very interesting when statements like that are being made — that we are doing this because ORAL is failing. ORAL is not failing,” he said.

The Attorney-General argued that his office had undertaken an unprecedented level of anti-corruption prosecutions within a relatively short period, describing the current legal actions as evidence of government’s seriousness in fighting corruption.

“Go back and check the record. I am the first Attorney-General in the history of the Fourth Republic to have brought five corruption cases in one year,” he asserted.

Dr Ayine further claimed that ongoing court cases involving former public officials and politically exposed persons were creating anxiety within sections of the opposition because of the strength of the evidence gathered by prosecutors.

“What is happening in court now is rather putting pressure on them because they know that I have been so diligent in my investigations. I have been so diligent in the prosecutions that they are afraid that their people will go down for the acts of corruption that they are engaged in,” he stated.

The Attorney-General also dismissed allegations that the government was attempting to divert public attention away from the ORAL initiative.

“ORAL is on track and ORAL is going to succeed,” he stressed.

The ORAL initiative, introduced under the administration of, has become one of the government’s flagship anti-corruption programmes aimed at investigating, prosecuting, and recovering state funds allegedly lost through corruption and financial mismanagement.

The programme has, however, generated intense political debate, with supporters describing it as a necessary accountability mechanism while critics argue that it risks being used to target political opponents.