Bawumia says intelligence agencies should not pursue citizens over political insults

New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said Ghana’s intelligence agencies should not be used to pursue citizens over criticism or insults directed at political leaders.

His comments followed the arrest and remand of Techiman-based senior nursing officer Salomey Bafoh Awiti, who is facing allegations connected to the publication and circulation of false news.

Dr Bawumia described the circumstances surrounding the case as concerning and said freedom of expression should remain an important consideration in the handling of politically sensitive cases.

At the same time, he reiterated his opposition to what he described as a politics of insults, saying political actors and citizens should engage one another respectfully.

He also raised concerns about what he described as selective application of the law, arguing that people should be treated consistently regardless of the political target of their comments.

The allegations against Ms Awiti have not been established by a court. According to reports, she pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime relating to the publication of false news and was remanded pending a later hearing.

Dr Bawumia’s comments have added to the wider national discussion about free expression, online political speech and the role of security agencies in cases involving alleged misinformation.

Source: Citi Newsroom and MyJoyOnline, September 18, 2026.