Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged party members and supporters to remain calm, resolute, and law-abiding in light of what he described as rising political intimidation.

His call came after the attempted arrest of Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, by individuals believed to be operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

Following a visit to Reverend Fordjour’s residence, Dr. Bawumia reported that the MP remained “in high spirits and undaunted,” despite the incident, which he described as troubling.

“I charge all Party faithful to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding in this period of unfortunate political persecution,” Dr. Bawumia said in a message to NPP supporters.

The former Vice President reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic values, even in the face of provocation, while warning against the misuse of state institutions for partisan purposes.

Dr. Bawumia also renewed his call on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that security agencies are not exploited as political tools, emphasizing the need for neutrality and professionalism within Ghana’s security services.

“The security institutions of our country must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents,” he stated, adding that such actions would not be tolerated by the Ghanaian people.

Describing the incident as indicative of a “descent into lawlessness and fear,” Dr. Bawumia stressed the need for accountability and professionalism in the country’s security forces.

He reassured NPP members and supporters of the party’s determination to resist any abuse of power, continuing to champion the principles of democracy, justice, and fair governance.