Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has publicly distanced himself from the prosecution of a National Democratic Congress activist accused of making offensive and defamatory statements against him, urging the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General to discontinue the legal action.
The intervention by Dr Bawumia has reignited a broader national conversation about freedom of expression, political tolerance and the appropriate limits of state involvement in disputes arising from political speech, particularly in Ghana’s increasingly competitive democratic environment.
The Ghana Police Service arrested Prince Aboagye, a 38 year old branch organiser of the National Democratic Congress in the Agona West Constituency of the Central Region, on July 19 over allegations that he published false information and made offensive comments about the former Vice President through social media platforms.
According to the allegations presented by investigators, the activist made claims against Dr Bawumia in a circulating video, accusing him of serious wrongdoing including murder, theft and alleged inappropriate relationships with married women. The statements, according to the police, amounted to offensive and defamatory publications capable of damaging the reputation of the former Vice President.
Following the arrest and subsequent court proceedings, Dr Bawumia issued a statement on Wednesday, July 22, clarifying that he had no involvement in initiating the complaint or authorising the prosecution of the NDC activist.
The former Vice President stated that although he had been informed about the arrest and legal proceedings involving the political activist, neither he nor his representatives had requested state authorities to pursue the matter.
“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,” the statement said.
Dr Bawumia further emphasised that he does not support the use of state institutions to punish citizens who express opinions about him, even where such comments may be considered offensive or unfair. He maintained that democratic societies must protect the ability of citizens to criticise political leaders, including those holding or seeking public office.
The former Vice President explained that throughout his political career he had endured numerous attacks, criticisms and accusations but had deliberately avoided using government institutions as a mechanism to respond to political opponents or individuals making controversial statements.
He argued that the strongest response to offensive speech should be more constructive dialogue, while inaccurate claims should be challenged through facts, evidence and public engagement rather than criminal prosecution.
Dr Bawumia therefore appealed to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General to discontinue the case against Prince Aboagye, as well as any similar legal actions that may have been initiated in his name without his approval. He also called for the immediate release of the accused activist to allow him to return to his family and personal responsibilities.
The former Vice President stressed that Ghana’s democratic progress depends on the protection of political freedoms and the ability of citizens, including members of opposition parties, to participate in public discussions without intimidation or fear of state punishment.
He added that political disagreements should be addressed through democratic engagement rather than legal actions that could potentially discourage citizens from participating in national conversations.
Dr Bawumia concluded his statement by indicating that he had forgiven the accused and wished him well, while encouraging political actors across the divide to redirect their attention towards addressing challenges affecting ordinary Ghanaians, including economic concerns, employment opportunities and national development.
The development has attracted significant attention because it places renewed focus on the delicate balance between protecting individual reputation and safeguarding freedom of expression. Ghana’s constitutional democracy guarantees citizens the right to express their opinions, while existing laws also provide mechanisms for addressing statements considered harmful, defamatory or threatening.
Legal and political observers have frequently debated whether allegations arising from political speech should primarily be resolved through civil remedies, public rebuttals and political engagement rather than criminal prosecution. The matter involving Prince Aboagye therefore contributes to an ongoing national discussion about how Ghana can protect democratic freedoms while maintaining accountability for harmful publications.
Dr Bawumia’s decision to reject legal action in his name marks a significant political statement, particularly given the history of tensions surrounding speech, misinformation and political communication in Ghana. His position reinforces the argument that public officials and political leaders must often tolerate a higher degree of criticism as part of democratic accountability.
As the case continues to generate public interest, the response of the Police Service and the Attorney General will likely be closely monitored because it touches on fundamental questions concerning free expression, political competition and the role of state institutions in disputes involving public figures.
The controversy ultimately extends beyond one individual and highlights a broader challenge facing democratic societies: determining how to protect personal dignity and public reputation while ensuring that citizens retain the freedom to criticise, question and challenge those who seek or occupy political power.
