Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of intimidating political opponents and undermining democratic freedoms in the country.
In a statement titled “Democracy and Free Speech Under Siege,” Dr. Bawumia expressed concern over what he described as continuous attacks on the rights of officers, activists, and supporters of the NPP since the NDC assumed office on January 7, 2025.
According to him, arrests, detentions, and what he termed “unconscionable bail conditions” have become a persistent feature under the current administration.
Dr. Bawumia cited the recent arrest and detention of social media commentator David Essandoh, popularly known as “Dumsor,” over comments made online regarding his return. He also referenced the decision to place the NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, into custody.
“The latest of such acts of intimidation has been the arrest, detention, and subsequent release of David Essandoh for lamenting on social media about the return of dumsor,” the statement said.
The former Vice President further alleged an “unholy collaboration” between the Executive, state investigative agencies, and sections of the judiciary aimed at intimidating and silencing members of the opposition NPP.
“These actions undermine free speech and are setting Ghana’s democracy backwards,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia warned that state officials involved in what he described as abuse of power would one day be held accountable for their actions.
He also urged supporters of the NPP and “patriots around the country” not to succumb to intimidation but to continue holding the government accountable to its promises.
“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.
The statement was issued in Accra and dated Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
