Flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating intimidation and harassment against members of the NPP through state institutions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dr. Bawumia alleged an “unholy collaboration” between the Executive, state investigative agencies, and some elements within the judiciary aimed at suppressing opposition voices and weakening Ghana’s democratic foundations.
“I condemn in the strongest of terms the unholy collaboration between the Executive, State investigative agencies, and some elements within the judiciary to use intimidation and harassment to silence members of the New Patriotic Party,” he stated.
The former Vice President further issued a stern warning to state officials allegedly involved in what he termed political persecution, declaring that “the day of accountability will come” and that abuses of state power would not go unpunished.
“I therefore serve notice to officers of the State who are active participants in this unholy enterprise that the day of accountability will come and the abuse of State power will be accounted for,” Dr. Bawumia warned.
According to him, the NDC administration has, since assuming office on January 7, 2025, consistently targeted officers, activists, and supporters of the NPP through arrests, detentions, and what he described as “unconscionable bail conditions.”
Dr. Bawumia cited recent incidents involving the arrest and detention of social media commentator David Essandoh over comments about the return of dumsor, as well as the detention of NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, popularly known as Abronye DC, as evidence of growing political intimidation under the current administration.
“The latest acts of intimidation include the arrest, detention, and subsequent release of David Essandoh for lamenting on social media about the return of dumsor, and the bizarre decision to put Abronye into custody,” he noted.
The NPP flagbearer argued that such actions undermine free speech and threaten Ghana’s democratic progress.
“These actions undermine free speech and are setting Ghana’s democracy backwards,” he stressed.
Dr. Bawumia also called on supporters of the NPP across the country to remain resolute in the face of what he described as political intimidation.
“To Patriots around the country, I urge you all to stay firm by refusing to succumb to intimidation while continuing your civic duty to hold the Government accountable to its promises,” he said.
“We fought hard for this democracy and, as a party, we cannot surrender it to intimidation from those who possess temporary power today,” he concluded.