, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly condemned what he describes as growing political intimidation targeting opposition figures, urging party supporters to remain calm, resolute, and law-abiding in the face of rising tensions.){kind=link}
The 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly condemned what he describes as growing political intimidation targeting opposition figures, urging party supporters to remain calm, resolute, and law-abiding in the face of rising tensions.
Dr. Bawumia’s statement comes in the wake of an attempted arrest of Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, by individuals believed to be operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). The incident, which reportedly involved a raid on the MP’s residence, has sparked concern within the NPP and among civil society observers.
Following a solidarity visit to Rev. Ntim Fordjour, Dr. Bawumia described the MP as being “in high spirit and undaunted” despite the ordeal. He commended the lawmaker’s composure and resilience, stating that such incidents would not deter the NPP from its commitment to democratic principles.
“I charge all Party faithful to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding in this period of unfortunate political persecution,” Dr. Bawumia said in a public statement. He reiterated the party’s unwavering dedication to the rule of law and called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that Ghana’s security apparatus remains professional and non-partisan.
“The security institutions of our country must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents,” he stated, warning that the politicisation of state institutions undermines public trust and democratic governance.
Dr. Bawumia further described the actions of the security operatives involved as a “descent into lawlessness and fear,” emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and professionalism within Ghana’s security services. He reassured the NPP’s rank and file that the party would continue to resist any form of abuse of power and uphold the values of justice and democracy.
The incident adds to growing tensions in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, as political actors and civil society groups raise concerns about the role of security agencies in the electoral process. The NPP has since called for an independent investigation into the attempted arrest and urged the international community to monitor developments closely.