Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has accused the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration of systematically attacking free speech and democratic rights. Dr. Bawumia, who is also the 2028 flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stated these concerns in a release on Wednesday, May 13.
He alleges that officers, activists, and supporters of the NPP have faced intimidation, arrests, and detentions since the NDC took office in January 2025. Dr. Bawumia described these actions as "attacks, arrests, detentions, and unconscionable bail conditions." He believes this pattern threatens Ghana’s democratic progress and aims to silence opposition voices.
Ghana's economy has seen fluctuations in recent years. For instance, the cedi experienced significant depreciation against the US dollar in the first half of 2024, impacting import costs and inflation. Political stability is crucial for investor confidence, which directly influences foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The country has also been navigating its debt restructuring program, seeking to regain fiscal stability. These democratic concerns, therefore, are not isolated; they have potential economic ripple effects.
Dr. Bawumia stated, “I have observed with great concern the endless assault on the fundamental rights of officers, activists, and supporters of the New Patriotic Party across the country by this NDC Government.” He further condemned what he called an "unholy collaboration between the Executive, State investigative agencies, and some elements within the judiciary." This alleged coordination implies a potential misuse of state institutions for political ends.
These alleged actions could deter political participation and discourage foreign investment. Investors often look for countries with stable democratic institutions and predictable legal frameworks. A perception of democratic backsliding may lead to increased risk premiums for Ghanaian assets. It will be important to monitor how the judiciary and investigative agencies respond to these accusations. Decision-makers in government are expected to uphold the rule of law. International bodies observing democratic health may also take note of these developments.
Dr. Bawumia urged NPP supporters to remain steadfast and continue holding the government accountable. He stressed that Ghana's democracy was hard-won and should not be weakened. Examples cited include the arrest of David Essandoh over comments about the return of dumsor, the widespread issue of power outages, and the detention of Kwame Baffoe Abronye. These specific incidents highlight the focus of his concerns on recent events.