Security agencies won’t chase citizens for insulting President, other officials under my watch – Bawumia

NPP flag bearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has assured Ghana's intelligence agencies will not be tasked with arresting citizens for insulting the President or other public figures if he assumes leadership. His remarks come after the arrest of Techiman-based nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh, who faces charges of abetting crime for allegedly publishing false news on social media.

Bawumia expressed concern over the situation, stating that the arrest of a mother of three, particularly her young child, is deeply troubling. The 40-year-old was apprehended at her home in northern Ghana on September 13, and after a two-week detention, she pleaded not guilty to the charges and was denied bail. The prosecution claims Bafoh acted as a liaison for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, also known as "Ghana Jollof," and assisted in the dissemination of videos she produced, recruiting others to spread the content.

The videos contained offensive remarks that could incite violence, although these allegations have not been proven in court. Bawumia opposes insults in politics and emphasized the importance of free speech, warning against infringing on democratic rights. He pledged that if elected, his government would prevent intelligence agencies from pursuing citizens for criticizing political leaders and called for Bafoh's release, urging the government to apply the law equally to all.