The 2028 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed serious concerns over what he describes as increasing attacks on free speech and the rights of party members and supporters under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
He said he had observed with “great concern” what he termed a persistent pattern of arrests, detentions, intimidation, and “unconscionable bail conditions” targeting NPP officers, activists, and supporters since the government assumed office on January 7, 2025.
According to Dr Bawumia, these developments pose a growing threat to Ghana’s democratic culture and civil liberties. He alleged that such incidents had become frequent and appeared intended to silence dissenting voices within the opposition.
He cited recent cases, including the arrest and brief detention of social media user David Essandoh, who reportedly raised concerns online about the return of “dumsor,” as well as the detention of the NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye. He described the incidents as troubling examples of intimidation aimed at political opponents.
Dr Bawumia also condemned what he called an “unholy collaboration” between elements of the Executive, state investigative agencies, and sections of the judiciary, accusing them of being used to suppress free expression and political opposition.
He warned that the use of state power to intimidate citizens and political actors undermines Ghana’s democratic progress and sets a dangerous precedent for governance and accountability.
“The abuse of state power will be accounted for,” he cautioned, adding that those involved in such actions would eventually face consequences when accountability is demanded.
Despite his concerns, Dr Bawumia urged party members and supporters across the country to remain steadfast and resilient. He encouraged them not to be intimidated, but to continue exercising their democratic rights and holding the government accountable to its promises.
He emphasised that Ghana’s democracy was hard-won and must not be compromised by fear or political pressure, calling on citizens to protect and preserve democratic freedoms for future generations.
