Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has asked the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General to discontinue the prosecution of National Democratic Congress (NDC) organizer for Agona West, Prince Aboagye.
Mr. Aboagye has been charged with offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace and publication of false news about the former Vice President
However, a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, said Dr. Bawumia has not authorized the prosecution of the individual.
“Dr. Bawumia wishes to state, clearly and unequivocally, that he has neither lodged any complaint nor sanctioned any prosecution against this young man or any other citizen. He does not desire, and will not endorse, the arrest or prosecution of any Ghanaian in his name for speech,” the statement said.
According to his office, the NPP flagbearer has never resorted to using state institutions to respond to the insults and falsehoods that have been targeted at him throughout his public life.
“He has never responded with the instruments of state power, and he will not begin now. His conviction remains that the answer to offensive speech is better speech, and the answer to falsehood is truth, not handcuffs, courtrooms, and crushing bail conditions imposed on ordinary Ghanaians,” the statement added.
The former Vice President has therefore called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General to discontinue the prosecution and any similar actions purportedly undertaken on his behalf.
He added that Ghana’s democracy is strengthened when citizens, including political opponents, are able to express themselves freely without fear of arrest or prosecution while indicating that he has forgiven the young man in question.
“Dr. Bawumia forgives the young man, wishes him well, and urges all political actors to channel their energies toward the issues that matter to the Ghanaian people,” the statement ended.
Meanwhile Prince Aboagye, who appeared in court, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with three sureties, one to be justified with landed property.
Below is the statement issued by the former Vice President’s office
