Bawumia Calls for Charges Against NDC Organiser to Be Dropped

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has appealed to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution of an organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Agona West who was arrested over alleged false publications and offensive comments made about him.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, Dr. Bawumia said he neither filed a complaint nor authorised the arrest or prosecution of the accused, stressing that he does not support the use of state institutions to prosecute citizens over comments made in his name.

According to him, throughout his public life, he has endured insults, misinformation and false allegations but has consistently chosen not to respond by using the coercive powers of the state.

Dr. Bawumia argued that offensive speech should be countered with better speech, while falsehoods should be challenged with facts rather than arrests, prosecutions or stringent bail conditions.

“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.

He added, “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 former Vice President therefore called on the Police and the Attorney-General to withdraw the case and any similar prosecutions allegedly initiated on his behalf, while urging that the accused be released to reunite with his family and continue his livelihood.

Dr. Bawumia further stated that Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including political opponents, are free to express their views without fear of arrest or prosecution.

He also disclosed that he has forgiven the young man and urged political leaders to focus on addressing issues affecting the lives of Ghanaians instead of engaging in divisive political rhetoric.

Meanwhile, the accused, identified as Aboagye, pleaded not guilty to charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace and publication of false news.

He was granted bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with three sureties, one of whom must justify the bail with landed property. The case has been adjourned to August 19, 2026.