New Patriotic Party flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution of an organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Agona West who is facing charges over alleged false publications and offensive comments made about him.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, July 22, Dr. Bawumia distanced himself from the arrest and prosecution, insisting that he neither filed a complaint nor authorised any legal action against the individual.
“The attention of the Office of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been drawn to the arrest and arraignment of an organiser of the National Democratic Congress in Agona West, who is being prosecuted for allegedly publishing false news and making offensive comments about Dr. Bawumia,” the statement said.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that he had no role in initiating the prosecution.
“Dr. Bawumia wishes to state, clearly and unequivocally, that he has neither lodged any complaint nor sanctioned any prosecution against this young man or any other citizen. He does not desire, and will not endorse, the arrest or prosecution of any Ghanaian in his name for speech.”
The former Vice President further argued that throughout his years in public life, he has endured insults and false allegations without resorting to state institutions to retaliate against his critics.
“Dr. Bawumia has been the subject of insults and falsehoods throughout his public life. He has never responded with the instruments of state power, and he will not begin now. His conviction remains that the answer to offensive speech is better speech, and the answer to falsehood is truth, not handcuffs, courtrooms, and crushing bail conditions imposed on ordinary Ghanaians.”
He therefore appealed directly to law enforcement authorities to halt the case and allow the accused to return to his family.
“He therefore respectfully calls on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue this prosecution and any similar actions purportedly undertaken on his behalf, and to release the young man to return to his family and his livelihood.”
Dr. Bawumia also underscored the importance of protecting freedom of expression in Ghana’s democracy, saying citizens, including political opponents, should be able to express their views without fear.
He added that he had forgiven the NDC organiser and wished him well, urging political actors across the divide to focus on issues that directly affect the lives of Ghanaians rather than engaging in personal attacks.
