It is both bizarre and politically inappropriate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to suddenly advocate for due process in the arrest of citizens, particularly given his silence during previous abuses, a former presidential aide has said.
Speaking on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show on Ahotor FM 92.3 hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, a former Policy Adviser Dr. Tony Aidoo under late President John Evans Atta Mills questioned Dr. Bawumia’s credibility in calling for fairness in law enforcement.
He cited the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election incident, during which Members of Parliament were assaulted and civil liberties were reportedly violated. “For eight years, Dr. Bawumia said nothing about the excesses and abuses that occurred. Now, suddenly, he speaks about due process in the arrest of the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi). This is strange and reeks of political bias,” the former aide stated.
He argued that the security structure has not changed under President Mahama, who has only been in office for four months. “Let’s allow the rule of law to function—not only for the benefit of security institutions, but equally for all citizens,” he said.
The former aide emphasized that Dr. Bawumia, having served as Vice President for eight years, should have been consistent in advocating fairness throughout his tenure, not only when it suits partisan interests.
He also defended the National Democratic Congress (NDC), asserting that the party has not altered the security structure. “The security agencies are simply carrying out their duties—to maintain law and order and to apprehend those who break the law,” he noted.
Referencing past political regimes, he recalled how Dr. Tony Aidoo suffered abuse by security forces under President John Agyekum Kufuor’s leadership, and how similar or worse incidents occurred under President Nana Akufo-Addo.
“It’s on record that the civil service structure was weakened by the appointment of party foot soldiers as special assistants. We must build a governance system that is free from partisan interference,” he stressed.
Touching on the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, he said she should have resigned, citing what he described as “serious prima facie issues” against her. “All her demands were granted by the President. Yet she continues to fight her case in the court of public opinion. This is inappropriate,” he argued.
He urged the Chief Justice to face the committee handling the matter and defend herself through due process rather than attempting to leak petitions to the public.
In a separate development, former Vice President and NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law in Ghana.
“Ghana must always remain a nation governed by law—not by arbitrary power. Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair,” he stated in a Facebook post.
Dr. Bawumia made these remarks while expressing concern over the arrest and continued detention of the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi).
He stressed that while no Ghanaian is above the law, constitutional rights must always be respected. He urged institutions such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to act strictly within the law.
“Any deviation from these principles risks undermining public trust in our justice system and weakening the democratic values we’ve worked hard to build,” he added.
Dr. Bawumia also commended Wontumi’s legal team for their vigilance, stating: “I have been in constant touch with Mr. Wontumi’s legal team since this morning to ensure his rights are protected and that due process is followed.”
Story by: Alexander Kukah
