Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has strongly pushed back against comments made by former Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, regarding concerns over Ghana’s democratic space.
Dr Bawumia had earlier criticised the arrest of NPP Sunyani East Constituency Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando, who was picked up by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over alleged false publications targeting John Dramani Mahama and other government officials.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Bono Region NPP executives, Dr Bawumia expressed concern over the development, stating, “Ghana’s democratic credentials are under attack. Freedom of expression is being sacrificed for political convenience.”
However, in a sharp reaction on Facebook, Franklin Cudjoe questioned the basis of Bawumia’s claims, arguing that democracy must be balanced with responsibility.
“Democracy under attack by who? I think democracy also demands that communicators tell the truth, not character assassinate and make wild, unsubstantiated claims,” he wrote.
Cudjoe further emphasised that while he remains a strong advocate for free speech, it must not be abused.
“I am a democrat and will defend everyone’s right to free speech, but not irresponsible speech. Many of these communicators talk as if they have been possessed by little naughty devils,” he added.
The exchange has sparked debate across political and public circles, highlighting ongoing tensions around free speech, accountability, and political communication in Ghana.
