Bawumia condemns arrests of NPP members
The Flag Bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticised the government over what he says are increasing arrests and harassment of NPP members and supporters across the country.
According to the former Vice-President, the actions of state security agencies against some party activists and officials are creating fear and threatening freedom of speech and Ghana’s democracy.
In a statement issued in Accra last Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Dr Bawumia said the situation had continued since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) took office on January 7, 2025.
Latest arrests
Dr Bawumia cited the recent arrest and detention of social media commentator, David Essandoh, who allegedly criticised the return of power outages, popularly known as dumsor, as well as the detention of the NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly called Abronye DC.
He described the incidents as acts of intimidation aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
“These actions undermine free speech and are setting Ghana’s democracy backwards,” the statement said.
Allegations of intimidation
The former Vice-President further condemned what he called an “unholy collaboration” between the Executive, state investigative agencies and sections of the judiciary to harass members of the NPP.
He warned that state officials involved in the alleged abuses would one day be held accountable.
“I therefore serve notice to officers of the State who are active participants in this unholy enterprise that the day of accountability will come and the abuse of State power will be accounted for,” he stated.
Call to supporters
Dr Bawumia also urged supporters of the NPP across the country to remain resolute and continue to hold the government accountable despite what he described as intimidation.
“We fought hard for this democracy and as a party, we cannot surrender it to intimidation from those who possess temporary power today,” he added.
Other incidents
In recent months, a number of NPP activists and officials have reportedly faced arrests and investigations over various allegations.
They include the detention of some party communicators over comments made on radio and social media, as well as the questioning of constituency executives in connection with public protests and allegations of offensive conduct.
Some NPP officials have also complained about what they describe as excessive bail conditions imposed on party activists facing investigations.
The governing NDC and state security agencies have, however, maintained in previous responses that all arrests and investigations undertaken have been in accordance with the law and due process.
