By Daniel Bampoe
Former Vice President and flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has sharply criticised the John Dramani Mahama-led administration, accusing it of using state powers to target political opponents and weaken the opposition.
Speaking during his campaign tour of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Dr. Bawumia alleged that the government is systematically harassing NPP executives, appointees, and even social media influencers sympathetic to the party.
Claims of Political Persecution
According to Dr. Bawumia, the arrests of prominent NPP regional chairmen, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) of Ashanti and Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC) of Bono, exemplify the ruling party’s alleged abuse of state institutions.
“We’re all witnesses to what is going on after we lost power. The NDC is harassing, abusing, and persecuting us. Recently, they arrested Chairman Wontumi and Chairman Abronye. They have been arresting our bloggers, TikTokers, and our appointees. This shows that we need to unite to win the 2028 elections,” Dr. Bawumia told party supporters.
His comments come amid growing concerns within the opposition that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the National Security have become tools for political intimidation.
Background to Recent Arrests
Chairman Wontumi was arrested in May 2025 by EOCO over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
He later described his detention as a near-death experience, claiming he was kept under inhumane conditions.
Similarly, Chairman Abronye was picked up on September 8, 2025 following allegations of spreading false information and incitement against government officials.
His arrest sparked protests from grassroots supporters and a wave of criticism from the NPP minority in Parliament, who accused the government of stifling free speech.
In addition to these high-profile detentions, several NPP-aligned social media influencers have also reported being summoned, interrogated, or detained for online commentary critical of the administration.
Historical Context
This is not the first time Ghana’s politics has been marred by accusations of state power being used to silence opposition. Under past administrations—both NPP and NDC—there have been instances where critics, journalists, and activists faced arrests or intimidation.
However, Dr. Bawumia insists the current wave of arrests represents a coordinated attempt to destabilise the NPP ahead of the 2028 general elections, where the party hopes to reclaim power.
Call for Unity Ahead of 2028
Framing the situation as a test of resilience for the NPP, Dr. Bawumia stressed that internal unity is crucial if the party is to withstand government pressure and return to power.
“This is the time for us to stand together. The persecution we are facing should not divide us, but rather strengthen our resolve to rescue Ghana in 2028,” he said, urging grassroots members not to be intimidated.
