Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for the immediate discontinuation of the prosecution of a National Democratic Congress (NDC) organiser in the Agona West Constituency, saying he does not support the arrest or prosecution of any Ghanaian over comments made about him.
In a statement issued by his office on Wednesday, July 22, Dr. Bawumia said he had become aware of the arrest and arraignment of the NDC organiser, who is facing charges for allegedly publishing false news and making offensive remarks about him.
He clarified that he neither lodged a complaint nor authorised any legal action against the accused.
“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 service, he has been the subject of insults and false allegations but has never resorted to the use of state institutions to respond.
According to him, the appropriate response to offensive speech is dialogue and truth rather than arrests and criminal prosecution.
“He has never responded with the instruments of state power, and he will not begin now.
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 Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution and any similar legal actions purportedly initiated on his behalf.
He also called for the immediate release of the accused to enable him to return to his family and livelihood.
The NPP flagbearer further stressed that Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including political opponents, are able to express their views freely without fear of persecution.
He concluded by saying he had forgiven the young man and urged all political actors to focus on addressing issues that affect the lives of Ghanaians rather than engaging in divisive political rhetoric.
