I Never Ordered His Arrest — Bawumia Rejects Prosecution of NDC Organiser

Jul 22, 2026 - 21:20

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I Never Ordered His Arrest — Bawumia Rejects Prosecution of NDC Organiser

Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has distanced himself from the arrest and prosecution of an organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Agona West, insisting that he neither filed a complaint nor authorised legal action over alleged false publications and offensive comments made against him.

Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to immediately discontinue the prosecution of an NDC organiser from Agona West who has been charged over alleged false publications and offensive comments made against him.

In a statement issued by his office, Dr Bawumia said he had taken notice of the arrest and arraignment of the young man but made it clear that he had no involvement in the matter.

"The attention of the Office of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been drawn to the arrest and arraignment of an organiser of the National Democratic Congress in Agona West, who is being prosecuted for allegedly publishing false news and making offensive comments about Dr Bawumia," the statement said.

Dr Bawumia stressed that he neither lodged a complaint nor sanctioned any prosecution against the accused or any other Ghanaian over speech.

"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 emphasised.

According to him, throughout his years in public office, he has endured insults and false allegations but has consistently chosen not to respond by resorting to state institutions.

The former vice president maintained that freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of Ghana's democracy, arguing that offensive speech should be countered with facts 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 noted.

Dr Bawumia, therefore, appealed to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to withdraw the case and ensure the accused regains his freedom.

"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 added.

Reaffirming his commitment to democratic values, Dr Bawumia said Ghana's democracy is strengthened when citizens, including political opponents, can freely express their views without fear of arrest or prosecution.

He also extended forgiveness to the accused, wishing him well and urging political actors across the divide to focus their attention on addressing the pressing concerns of the Ghanaian people rather than deepening political divisions.