I have always disavowed politics of insults, but free speech must be protected – Bawumia

New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has consistently condemned the practice of political insults, while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding free speech in Ghana's democracy. In a recent Facebook post, Bawumia expressed deep concern over the arrest and remand of Techiman-based nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh, who has been detained for two weeks on suspicion of aiding the dissemination of false news.

Bafoh, a mother of three, was taken into custody by national intelligence officers in the middle of the night and appeared before the Adentan Circuit Court on September 17, 2026. She pleaded not guilty to charges of abetting crime, specifically related to the alleged publication and circulation of false news, as per Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960.

According to the prosecution, Bafoh allegedly acted as a liaison for UK-based TikTok user Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, also known as "Ghana Jollof," recruiting others to spread Kodua's videos across Ghana. The videos, allegedly produced by Kodua, contained offensive and inflammatory content capable of inciting violence, including a threat to overthrow the government.

The alleged money transfer from the UK to Bafoh, as well as subsequent distribution among individuals, remains unproven in court. Despite condemning abusive political discourse, Bawumia stressed that disagreement should never lead to the suppression of free expression. "The ideas we need to transform our nation won't come from insults," he remarked.

"But I also remind the NDC government that any infringement on the right to free speech pushes our democracy backwards. Free speech, as unpleasant as it may be at times, is the bedrock of our democracy." Bawumia also cautioned against the selective application of the law, noting that some individuals can insult without facing consequences, while others are jailed due to the targets of their comments. He urged for Bafoh's release and the release of others facing similar charges.