New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution of individuals facing legal action for allegedly making offensive comments or publishing falsehoods about him.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, Dr. Bawumia said he had neither lodged a complaint against the accused nor authorised any prosecution to be undertaken in his name.
The statement follows the arrest and arraignment of an organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Agona West, who is facing charges for allegedly publishing false news and making offensive comments about the former Vice President.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that he does not support the arrest or prosecution of any Ghanaian over speech made against him.
“I have neither lodged any complaint nor sanctioned any prosecution against this young man or any other citizen. I do not desire, and will not endorse, the arrest or prosecution of any Ghanaian in my name for speech,” the statement said.
The NPP flagbearer noted that throughout his public life, he has been subjected to insults and false allegations but has never resorted to using state institutions to respond to criticism.
According to him, offensive speech should be countered with better speech, while falsehoods should be addressed with the truth rather than arrests, court proceedings, or stringent bail conditions.
Dr. Bawumia therefore appealed to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to halt the ongoing prosecution and any similar actions purportedly initiated on his behalf.
He also called for the immediate release of the accused to enable him to reunite with his family and continue his livelihood.
The statement further emphasised that Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including political opponents, can express their views freely without fear.
Dr. Bawumia concluded by saying he forgives the young man involved and urged political actors across the country to focus on issues that directly affect the lives and welfare of Ghanaians rather than engaging in personal attacks.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu