Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of suppressing free speech and intimidating members of the opposition party through arrests, detentions, and what he described as harsh bail conditions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, under the headline “Democracy and Free Speech Under Siege,” Dr. Bawumia expressed concern over what he called “the endless assault on the fundamental rights” of NPP officers, activists, and supporters across the country.
According to him, the alleged intimidation has become a persistent feature of the current administration since it assumed office on January 7, 2025.
Dr. Bawumia referenced the recent arrest and subsequent release of social media commentator David Essandoh over comments relating to “dumsor,” as well as the detention of the NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.
He described the actions as attempts to silence opposition voices and warned that such developments threaten Ghana’s democratic progress.
“These actions undermine free speech and are setting Ghana’s democracy backwards,” the statement read.
The NPP flagbearer further alleged what he termed an “unholy collaboration” between the Executive, state investigative agencies, and some elements within the judiciary to intimidate and harass members of the opposition party.
Dr. Bawumia also cautioned state officials allegedly involved in the actions, stating that “the day of accountability will come and the abuse of State power will be accounted for.”
He, however, urged supporters of the NPP to remain resolute and continue holding the government accountable while refusing to succumb to 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 stated.
The statement comes amid heightened political tension following the recent arrest and remand of Abronye DC in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged misinformation and offensive public statements.
