Former Vice President and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution of a National Democratic Congress (NDC) organiser in Agona West who is facing charges over alleged offensive comments made about him.
In a statement issued by his office on Wednesday, July 22, Dr Bawumia stated that he neither lodged a complaint nor authorised the arrest or prosecution of the individual, who has been accused of publishing false news and making offensive comments about him.
“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 statement said.
The former Vice President said he had endured insults, criticisms, and false claims throughout his political career but had never relied on state institutions to respond to such attacks.
According to him, democratic values are strengthened when citizens are allowed to express their views freely, including political opponents, without fear of arrest or prosecution.
“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 statement added.
Dr Bawumia therefore appealed to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to halt the case against the NDC organiser and discontinue any similar actions allegedly initiated on his behalf.
“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,” the statement said.
The former Vice President also said he had forgiven the accused and urged political actors across the country to focus their attention on issues affecting the lives and welfare of Ghanaians.
“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 concluded.
