The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to immediately drop all charges against an organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Agona West.
The NDC officer was arrested and arraigned in court for allegedly publishing false news and uttering offensive comments directed at the Vice President.
In a press statement issued by his Communications Directorate on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, Dr Bawumia distanced himself from the arrest, stating unequivocally that he neither lodged a formal complaint nor sanctioned any legal action against the suspect or any other Ghanaian.
He emphasised that he does not desire, nor will he endorse, the arrest or prosecution of any citizen in his name for speech.
“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,” the statement noted.
Outlining his position on public discourse and freedom of expression, Dr Bawumia maintained that criminal prosecutions and harsh bail terms should not be used to punish speech or political criticism.
“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 release stated.
He consequently urged law enforcement agencies and the Attorney-General to discontinue the case, along with any similar actions purportedly undertaken on his behalf, to allow the young man to return to his family and livelihood.
Underlining the importance of open political discourse, Dr Bawumia noted that national democratic institutions are fortified when freedom of speech is protected across the political spectrum.
“Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including those who oppose us, can speak freely without fear,” he stated.
The statement added that Dr Bawumia has forgiven the NDC organiser and wished him well, while appealing to political leaders across the country to channel their energies toward issues that directly matter to the Ghanaian electorate.
