Concerns have been raised by NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia over the arrest and subsequent remand of Techiman-based nurse and mother of three, Salomey Bafor Awiti.
The nurse is facing an alleged case involving the publication of false news, with Dr Bawumia arguing that the circumstances surrounding her arrest raise questions about the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Taking to social media on Friday, September 18, the former Vice President said reports of Salomey being picked up in the middle of the night by national intelligence officers and later remanded for two weeks were worrying.
Dr Bawumia said such an approach does not represent the kind of Ghana he wants to see, insisting that intelligence agencies under his presidency would not be used to pursue citizens over alleged insults against the President or other individuals.
Salomey is alleged to have links to the anonymous “Ghana Jollof” social media account.
Meanwhile, London-based Ghanaian nurse Barbara Asantewaa Kodua has been declared wanted after being identified as the alleged operator of the account.
While condemning the arrest, Dr Bawumia also stressed that he has consistently opposed insults in Ghana’s political discourse.
He called on politicians and citizens to maintain a respectful tone, noting that the ideas needed to transform the country cannot be built around insults.
At the same time, he cautioned the NDC government against actions that could undermine the right to free speech, describing the freedom as a fundamental pillar of Ghana’s democracy even when some expressions may be difficult to accept.
Another issue raised by Dr Bawumia was what he described as the selective application of the law.
He argued that people involved in similar conduct should receive equal treatment, regardless of the political position or status of the person who becomes the target of their comments.
According to him, some citizens are able to make insulting remarks without facing arrest, while others are jailed because of who their comments are directed at.
