Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of fostering an atmosphere of fear and using state security institutions to suppress dissent, declaring that intimidation will not silence the opposition.
“The intimidation can never break us,” Dr. Bawumia said, striking a defiant tone as he urged party communicators to remain firm and outspoken in defence of democratic principles.
Speaking at his residence in Accra on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Dr. Bawumia warned that Ghana’s democratic gains were under threat, insisting that freedom of expression was increasingly being undermined for political expediency.
“Ghana’s democratic credentials are under attack. Freedom of expression is being sacrificed for political convenience,” he stated.
His remarks came when a delegation of national, regional and constituency executives of the NPP from the Bono Region called on him to express appreciation for his support following the arrest and detention of the party’s Bono Regional Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando.
Baba Amando was arrested on April 13, 2026, in connection with allegations of false publication involving President John Dramani Mahama and other government officials.
A Circuit Court initially remanded him for two weeks, but an Accra High Court subsequently granted him bail in the sum of GH¢30,000 with two sureties.
Dr. Bawumia used the occasion to rally party communicators and urged them to remain resolute, articulate, and grounded in facts as they engage the public and challenge government policies.
He emphasised that consistency, credibility, and truth would ultimately outweigh political pressure.
Leading the delegation, the NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, thanked Dr. Bawumia for his continued support and solidarity, assuring him that party communicators across the country would remain steadfast despite what he described as growing intimidation.
Meanwhile, the NPP has announced plans to stage a demonstration in Sunyani on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, under the theme “Yensuro Ahunahuna Demo,” as part of efforts to protest what the party describes as government-sponsored attacks on free speech and democratic governance.
The NPP National Organiser said the protest is intended to mobilise supporters and sympathisers to register their displeasure over recent arrests and detentions of NPP members, as well as what he describes as the government’s handling of dissenting views and civil liberties.
By Ernest Kofi Adu