Bawumia pledges to protect citizens from prosecution for insulting officials
NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has stated that Ghana's intelligence agencies will not pursue citizens for insulting the President or other public officials if he becomes the leader of the country.
In Brief
- •NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has stated that Ghana's intelligence agencies will not pursue citizens for insulting the President or other public officials if he becomes the leader of the country.
- •Senior nursing officer Salomey Awiti Bafoh, 40, was arrested and remanded for two weeks on charges of abetment of crime related to the alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media.
- •Bawumia criticized the government's selective application of laws, arguing that some people can insult political leaders without facing consequences while others are prosecuted.
- •He called for the release of Ms. Bafoh, emphasizing that opposition to abusive political discourse should not come at the expense of freedom of expression.
- •Bawumia's comments follow the arrest and detention of Ms. Bafoh, which he described as 'very worrying' due to her status as a mother of three, including a four-year-old child.
Why It Matters
Dr. Bawumia's statement highlights the potential impact of his leadership on the balance between freedom of expression and the rule of law in Ghana. His pledge to protect citizens from prosecution for insulting officials could influence public perception of political discourse and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. The case of Salomey Awiti Bafoh also raises questions about the government's selective application of laws and the treatment of individuals based on the sensitivity of their political targets.
Key Details
- Arrest Date
- September 13, 2026
- Remand Period
- Two weeks
- Charges
- Abetment of crime, publication of false news
- Alleged Target
- Barbara Asantewaa Kodua (Ghana Jollof)
- Alleged Threat
- Threat to overthrow the government and burn Ghana
Context & Background
The case of Salomey Awiti Bafoh involves allegations related to the dissemination of videos produced by Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, also known as Ghana Jollof. The videos contained offensive and inciting statements, including an alleged threat to overthrow the government and burn Ghana. The prosecution alleges that Bafoh acted as a liaison for Kodua and assisted in disseminating the videos by recruiting others to redistribute the content.
Original Reporting & Sources
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