Former Vice President and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for the discontinuation of 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 Wednesaday, July 22, Dr Bawumia said he neither lodged a complaint nor authorised the prosecution of the individual, who has been arrested and arraigned for allegedly 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 noted that he had been the subject of insults and falsehoods throughout his public life but had never resorted to using state institutions to respond.
“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 appealed to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the case and any similar prosecutions purportedly 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.
According to Dr Bawumia, Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including political opponents, are able to express themselves freely without fear of arrest or prosecution.
He also said he had forgiven the accused and urged political actors to focus on issues affecting 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.
