By Daniel Bampoe
Former Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has publicly distanced himself from the prosecution of a National Democratic Congress (NDC) organiser accused of making alleged offensive and false statements against him, calling on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to immediately discontinue the case.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Dr. Bawumia declared that he neither lodged a complaint nor authorised the arrest and prosecution of the NDC organiser from Agona West, insisting that he does not support the use of state institutions to punish citizens over political speech.
His intervention comes amid growing public debate over freedom of expression and the increasing use of criminal charges relating to alleged false publications and offensive conduct against political figures.
“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.
The former Vice President was emphatic that the prosecution was not initiated at his request.
“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.”
Dr. Bawumia noted that throughout his political career he has endured sustained criticism, insults and false allegations but has consistently resisted the temptation to invoke state power against his critics.
According to him, democratic governance requires tolerance for opposing views, even when such comments are offensive or untrue.
He maintained that the appropriate response to misinformation is public engagement rather than criminal prosecution.
“Dr. Bawumia has been the subject of insults and falsehoods throughout his public life. He has never responded with instruments of state power, and he will not begin now.”
He added:
“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.”
The former Vice President therefore appealed directly to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution and any similar criminal proceedings that may have been initiated in his name.
He further called for the immediate release of the accused NDC organiser, saying the young man should be allowed to return to his family and continue with his normal life.
“He therefore respectfully calls 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 used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to democratic principles and freedom of expression, arguing that Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens are able to express divergent political opinions without fear of arrest or prosecution.
According to him, political tolerance remains essential to preserving the country’s democratic credentials.
“Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including those who oppose us, can speak freely without fear.”
In a conciliatory message, the former Vice President said he harbours no ill feelings toward the accused organiser and urged political actors across the country to focus on addressing the pressing challenges confronting Ghanaians instead of deepening political divisions.
“Dr. Bawumia forgives the young man, wishes him well, and urges all political actors to channel their energies toward the issues that matter to the Ghanaian people.”
The statement, signed by the Communications Directorate of Dr. Bawumia’s office, comes at a time when political discourse in Ghana has become increasingly polarised, with concerns frequently raised by civil society organisations and legal practitioners over the balance between protecting individual reputations and safeguarding constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.
Over the years, Dr. Bawumia has often portrayed himself as a politician willing to engage critics through public debate rather than litigation or criminal complaints. His latest intervention reinforces that position by distancing himself from a prosecution being pursued over remarks allegedly made against him.
It remains unclear whether the prosecution was initiated independently by law enforcement authorities or based on a complaint from another party.
However, Dr. Bawumia’s public appeal places fresh attention on the case and is likely to intensify debate over the use of criminal laws in matters involving political speech and criticism.
The Ghana Police Service and the Office of the Attorney-General are yet to publicly respond to Dr. Bawumia’s call for the discontinuation of the prosecution.
