Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to restrain state security agencies from being used as tools of political persecution.
His comments follow a failed attempt by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to arrest the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, at his residence on Wednesday.
In a statement issued after visiting the MP, Dr. Bawumia condemned the attempted arrest, describing it as an “unfortunate political persecution.” He noted that Rev. Fordjour remained in high spirits and undeterred by the incident.
“Rev. Fordjour was in high spirit and undaunted. I charge all party faithful to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding in this period of unfortunate political persecution,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia reiterated his call on President Mahama to immediately rein in security operatives, emphasizing that national security institutions should not be weaponized against political opponents.
“I wish to reiterate my earlier submission to the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, to immediately rein in his security operatives. The security institutions of our country must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents,” he warned.
He further cautioned that Ghanaians would not tolerate a return to an era of fear and arbitrary state action.
“Ghanaians will not accept this descent into lawlessness and fear,” Dr. Bawumia stressed, reaffirming the NPP’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and political tolerance.
