Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has strongly criticized what he describes as increasing threats to press freedom and political persecution under the administration of President John Mahama.
He warned that recent incidents, including attacks on journalists and military raids on former government officials, undermine Ghana’s democracy and must be addressed urgently.
In a statement on Wednesday (19 February), Dr. Bawumia expressed concern over the use of security forces to intimidate individuals perceived as opponents of the current government.
Dr Bawumia argued that such actions create an atmosphere of fear and instability, reminiscent of authoritarian rule rather than a democratic transition.
“These are certainly worrying times for our democracy, and the earlier action is taken to protect institutions and democratic practice, the better it would be for Ghana’s forward match.
“Ghanaians understood the promise of change to mean discarding the ills associated with the governance of our nation since 1992 and also an opportunity to show the way for future governments. There is no reset by repeating or escalating what may have happened in the past”, he observed.
He urged the government to uphold constitutional principles by ensuring that journalists can operate without fear and that security agencies remain professional and politically neutral.
