The 2028 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Mahamudu Bawumia, has condemned what he described as the harassment, intimidation and detention of party activists and communicators, warning against the use of state power to suppress dissenting views.
Addressing the NPP Minority caucus during an engagement in Parliament, Dr. Bawumia said Ghana’s democracy must not be built on fear or political intimidation.
“Ghana’s democracy was not built on fear and no government must be allowed to use state power to silence criticism or criminalize political disagreement,” he stated.
The former Vice President stressed that while the NPP remains committed to the rule of law and responsible political discourse, citizens must not be denied the freedom to express their opinions.
“We respect the law as a party. Indeed, we are a party of the rule of law. We respect due process and we will always encourage our supporters to speak responsibly. But responsible speech cannot mean silent opposition,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia charged Minority Members of Parliament to act as protectors of constitutional freedoms and defenders of citizens whose voices may be under threat, regardless of political affiliation.
“As Minority MPs, you must be the constitutional shield for every Ghanaian whose voice is threatened, whether that person belongs to the MPP, CPP or no party at all,” he noted.
He further urged Parliament not to remain silent whenever citizens feel intimidated for expressing their views on national matters.
“Let the country know that under our watch, Parliament will not look away when citizens are made to fear the simple act of speaking their mind,” he added, while commending the parliamentary leadership for taking up the challenge.
Dr. Bawumia also used the occasion to call for stronger internal discipline and unity within the party, cautioning members against taking internal disagreements to the media.
“I will also expect from us a new discipline of internal consultation. Let us disagree internally where we must, but let us face the country with one purpose and one voice,” he said.
According to him, public disagreements and media leaks only weaken the party and provide opportunities for political opponents to exploit divisions within the NPP.
“When we have matters, let’s not run to the press to ventilate those matters. Running to the press only weakens us internally because you’re giving ammunition to our enemies,” he stressed.
The NPP flagbearer encouraged the Minority caucus to approach parliamentary proceedings with confidence and composure, insisting that the party must present itself as a credible alternative government.
“Let us walk into the chamber calm, confident and prepared. Not as an aggrieved party, but as a government in waiting,” he said.
He advised the MPs to engage ministers with facts, communicate with discipline and inspire hope among constituents.
“When you rise in the chamber, rise with confidence. When you question ministers, do so with the facts. When you speak to the press, speak with discipline. When you return to your constituency, carry hope,” he told the caucus.
Dr. Bawumia assured supporters that the NPP remains active and determined to return to power with what he described as a “better, visionary and stronger government.”
“MPP has not disappeared. MPP has not been silenced. And the MPP is preparing itself carefully to offer Ghana a better, visionary and stronger government,” he declared.
He further reminded party members that victory in the 2028 elections would require sustained grassroots engagement and consistent communication with the electorate.
“The road to 2028 will not be won in one rally or one manifesto launch. It will be won day by day, question by question, statement by statement, community by community, constituency by constituency,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia concluded by expressing confidence in the Minority caucus and reaffirming his commitment to working with them to reorganize and reconnect the party with the Ghanaian people ahead of the next general election.
“I am so proud of you. I trust you. I believe in you. And I will stand with you every step of the way as we rebuild, reorganize, reconnect with the Ghanaian people and return this party to government,” he stated.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
