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 from Agona West who is facing charges over alleged offensive remarks made about him.
In a statement issued by his office on Wednesday, July 22, Dr Bawumia clarified that he neither filed a complaint nor authorised the arrest or prosecution of the accused.
He stressed that he does not support the use of state institutions to punish citizens for expressing their views, even when those views are offensive or untrue.
“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 noted that throughout his years in public office, he has been the target of insults, misinformation and false allegations but has never sought legal action against those responsible.
According to him, the appropriate response to offensive speech is open dialogue rather than criminal 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 Police and the Attorney-General to withdraw the case and any similar prosecutions allegedly initiated in his name.
“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.
He further argued that Ghana’s democracy is stronger when citizens, including political opponents, are free to express their opinions without fear of arrest or prosecution.
Dr Bawumia also said he had forgiven the accused and encouraged politicians to focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing Ghanaians instead of engaging in personal attacks.
“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.
