Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called for the 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, by his office, Dr. Bawumia said he had neither lodged a complaint nor authorised the arrest or prosecution of the individual, stressing that he does not support the use of state institutions to prosecute citizens over speech made in his name.
He stated that throughout his public life he has been subjected to insults, misinformation and false allegations but has consistently refrained from responding through the coercive powers of the state.
Related Article: NDC Branch Organiser granted bail over alleged offensive comments about Dr Bawumia on TikTok
According to him, offensive speech should be countered with better speech, while falsehoods should be addressed with truth rather than arrests, prosecutions or what he described as burdensome bail conditions imposed on ordinary citizens.
Dr Bawumia therefore appealed to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the case and any similar prosecutions purportedly initiated on his behalf. He also urged the authorities to release the accused so he could return to his family and livelihood.
"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."
"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 read.
The former Vice President maintained that Ghana's democracy is strengthened when citizens, including political opponents, are able to express their views freely without fear of arrest or prosecution.
He added that he has forgiven the young man and wished him well, while calling on political actors to focus on issues that directly affect the lives of Ghanaians instead of engaging in divisive political exchanges.
"Ghana's democracy is strengthened when citizens, including those who oppose us, can speak freely without fear. Dr Bawumia forgives the young man, wishes him well, and urges all political actors to channel their energies toward the issues that matter to the Ghanaian people," the statement added.
Meanwhile, Aboagye pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with three sureties, one to be justified with landed property, reports the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
He was charged with offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace and publication of false news. The case has been adjourned to August 19, 2026.
