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President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has welcomed former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s call for the Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution of an NDC organiser accused of making offensive comments about him.
According to Mr. Cudjoe, speech should not be criminalised, arguing that civil remedies such as defamation suits remain the appropriate avenue for addressing such matters.
Reacting to Dr. Bawumia’s position in a Facebook post, the IMANI Africa President described the call as a commendable one and urged the Police Service not to be overzealous in handling cases involving speech.
He said persons who feel insulted or defamed should be allowed to seek civil redress rather than relying on criminal prosecution.
Dr. Bawumia had earlier stated that he neither lodged a complaint nor authorised the prosecution of Prince Aboagye, an NDC branch organiser in the Agona West Constituency, over alleged offensive TikTok comments.
In a statement issued by his Communications Directorate on Wednesday, July 22, the former Vice President called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to end the case.
He maintained that he does not support the arrest or prosecution of any Ghanaian in his name over speech-related issues, adding that political leaders should respond to offensive remarks with facts and better arguments rather than state power.
Prince Aboagye, who is also a lotto agent, has been charged with offensive conduct conducive to a breach of the peace and publication of false news.
He has pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of GH¢200,000 with three sureties, including one to justify with landed property. The case has been adjourned to August 19, 2026.
The Police, however, told the court that they initiated the case after identifying a TikTok video allegedly published by Mr. Aboagye, which contained claims they described as false and offensive against Dr. Bawumia.
Dr. Bawumia has since forgiven Mr. Aboagye and urged political actors to focus on issues affecting Ghanaians, stressing that democracy is strengthened when citizens can express themselves freely without fear.
Story by Efua Nessa