Democracy and free speech under siege in Ghana

Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticised what he describes as a growing pattern of intimidation against opposition members, warning that Ghana’s democracy and free speech are “under siege”.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 13, Dr. Bawumia expressed concern over what he called persistent attacks, arrests, detentions, and what he described as “unconscionable bail conditions” targeting members and supporters of the New Patriotic Party since the National Democratic Congress assumed office on January 7, 2025.

He cited recent incidents, including the arrest, detention, and subsequent release of social media user David Essandoh, who was reportedly picked up after commenting online about the return of dumsor.

He also pointed to the remand of the Kwame Baffoe Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, describing the developments as part of a broader trend of political intimidation.

According to him, these actions undermine free expression and risk reversing gains made in Ghana’s democratic governance.

“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.

Dr. Bawumia further warned that those he believes are involved in abuse of state power will be held accountable in the future, adding that “the day of accountability will come.”

He urged party members and supporters across the country to remain resolute and continue holding government accountable, insisting that Ghana’s democracy must not be weakened by intimidation or abuse of authority.

Essendoh was arrested after making a social media post claiming that “dumsor”, a term commonly used to describe persistent power outages, had returned.

The post was accompanied by a picture of a billboard bearing the President’s image and the inscription.