Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution of a man being tried 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 had neither lodged a complaint nor authorised any prosecution against the organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Agona West, whose arrest and arraignment reportedly stemmed from comments 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, who is being prosecuted for allegedly publishing false news and making offensive comments about Dr. Bawumia,” the statement said.
Dr Bawumia stated that he does not support the arrest or prosecution of any Ghanaian in his name for expressing their views.
“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 added.
Calls for free speech
The NPP flagbearer said he has been subjected to insults and falsehoods throughout his public life but has consistently chosen not to respond through the use of state institutions.
He maintained that the appropriate response to offensive speech is more speech, while falsehoods should be countered with the truth rather than arrests or court action.
“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 said.
Appeal to authorities
Dr. Bawumia urged the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the ongoing prosecution and any similar actions allegedly undertaken on his behalf.
He also appealed for the immediate release of the accused to enable him to return to his family and livelihood.
“The Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General should discontinue this prosecution and any similar actions purportedly undertaken on his behalf, and release the young man to return to his family and his livelihood,” the statement said.
He added that Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including political opponents, are able to express themselves freely without fear.
Dr. Bawumia concluded by stating that he forgives the young man, wished him well, and urged political actors to focus their energies on issues that matter most to the Ghanaian people.
