Bawumia Urges End to Prosecutions Carried Out in His Name

Former Vice-President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has publicly distanced himself from the prosecution of a National Democratic Congress (NDC) organiser in Agona West, urging the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the case and any similar prosecutions purportedly undertaken in his name.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dr. Bawumia said he had not lodged any complaint against the individual accused of publishing false news and making offensive comments about him, stressing that he does not support the use of state institutions to punish political speech.

“I do not desire, and will not endorse, the arrest or prosecution of any Ghanaian in my name for speech,” Dr. Bawumia said.

The intervention follows the arrest and arraignment of the NDC organiser, whose prosecution has generated renewed debate over the limits of free expression and the application of criminal laws in politically sensitive cases.

Dr. Bawumia said he had long been the target of insults and falsehoods throughout his public life but had consistently chosen not to respond through the machinery of the state.

Instead, he argued that democratic societies are strengthened through open debate rather than criminal prosecution.

“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 stated.

The former Vice-President appealed directly to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to withdraw the prosecution and facilitate the release of the accused, allowing him to return to his family and livelihood.

He further emphasised that Ghana’s democratic tradition depends on citizens being able to express their opinions freely, including criticism directed at political leaders.

“Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including those who oppose us, can speak freely without fear.”

Dr. Bawumia concluded by saying he forgives the young man involved and called on political actors across the divide to focus on issues of national importance rather than personal attacks.

Why It Matters

Dr. Bawumia’s statement represents a notable public appeal for restraint in the use of criminal proceedings involving political expression. While the decision to continue or discontinue prosecutions ultimately rests with the relevant law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities, his intervention is likely to intensify discussions around free speech, criminal defamation-related offences, prosecutorial discretion and the balance between protecting reputations and safeguarding democratic freedoms in Ghana.