Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for the immediate discontinuation of the prosecution of an organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Agona West, who was arrested and arraigned for allegedly publishing false news and making offensive comments about him.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Dr. Bawumia said he neither lodged a complaint nor authorised any prosecution against the individual or any other Ghanaian over remarks made about him.
“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,” the statement said, adding that the prosecution was reportedly being undertaken over alleged false publications and offensive comments directed at him.
Dr. Bawumia stated that he does not support the arrest or prosecution of citizens for expressing their views, even where such comments are offensive or untrue.
He noted that throughout his public life, he has been the target of insults and false allegations but has never resorted to using state institutions to respond.
According to him, “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 NPP flagbearer therefore appealed to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution and any similar actions purportedly initiated on his behalf.
He also called for the immediate release of the accused to enable him return to his family and livelihood.
Dr. Bawumia further stressed that Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including political opponents, are able to express themselves freely without fear of persecution.
He said he had forgiven the young man and wished him well, urging political actors across the country to focus on issues that directly affect the welfare of Ghanaians rather than engaging in divisive political attacks.
The statement was signed by the Communications Directorate of the Office of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
