Dr. Bawumia’s Concerns Over Recent Raids
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has voiced serious concerns regarding recent raids on the homes of former government officials and attacks on communities under the Mahama administration. His remarks follow the February 11 raid on the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in Cantonments.
The operation, carried out by a group of 12 individuals—five in military uniforms, one in police attire, and the rest in plain clothes—occurred while Ofori-Atta was reportedly out of the country. His wife and other family members were present during the raid, which has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the rule of law in Ghana.
Attacks on State Institutions and Individuals
Dr. Bawumia also highlighted alarming reports of attacks on state institutions and individuals allegedly linked to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In a Facebook post on February 19, he emphasized that Ghana remains a democracy, not a military regime, and called on President John Dramani Mahama to uphold democratic values and protect civil liberties.
He warned against repeating past governance mistakes, urging the government to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to the rule of law. “There is a general atmosphere of insecurity with attacks on journalists, the use of our military to raid the homes of former government officials and communities, as well as mobs attacking innocent individuals and state institutions,” he stated.
A Call to Protect Ghana’s Democracy
Dr. Bawumia’s statement underscores the need to safeguard Ghana’s democratic institutions. He reminded Ghanaians that the 2024 elections were a call for progress, not a license to repeat past errors. “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 march,” he added.
He also criticized the government for arbitrary dismissals of public servants, including directors, security personnel, nurses, and teachers, simply because they were appointed during the previous administration. “The least a party that campaigned on jobs could do under conditions of unemployment is to also innovate and create jobs rather than dismiss people,” he noted.
Dr. Bawumia’s Appeal to President Mahama
In his Facebook post titled “Worrying Developments in Our Country: An Appeal to H.E. President John Mahama,” Dr. Bawumia called on the President to reverse unfair dismissals and protect all citizens. “I call on His Excellency President Mahama to be a president for all Ghanaians by putting a stop to these developments, reversing the unfair dismissals, and protecting all our citizens,” he urged.
He concluded with a powerful call to action:
- We must advance our democracy.
- We must protect our state institutions.
- We must uphold our Constitution.
- Ghana can do better. Ghana must do better!
Why This Matters for Ghana’s Future
Ghana’s democracy is at a crossroads, and the actions of today will shape the nation’s future. Dr. Bawumia’s appeal serves as a reminder that democratic governance requires accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
Take Action: Support Democracy in Ghana
As citizens, we have a role to play in safeguarding our democracy. Stay informed, hold leaders accountable, and advocate for justice and equality. Share this article to raise awareness and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ProtectGhanaDemocracy.
Together, we can ensure that Ghana remains a beacon of democracy in Africa.
External Links for Further Reading:
- Ghana’s Constitution and Rule of Law
- Human Rights Watch on Ghana
- United Nations Development Programme in Ghana