Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to restrain state security agencies from being used as instruments of political persecution.

This follows a failed attempt by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to arrest the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, at his residence on Wednesday.

In a statement issued after visiting Rev. Fordjour, Dr Bawumia condemned the attempted arrest, describing it as an "unfortunate political persecution".

He said the MP was in high spirits and undeterred by the incident. “Rev. Fordjour was in high spirit and undaunted. I charge all party faithful to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding in this period of unfortunate political persecution,” he stated.

Dr Bawumia reiterated his call to President Mahama, urging him to immediately bring his security operatives under control.

“I wish to reiterate my earlier submission to the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, to immediately rein in his security operatives. The security institutions of our country must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents,” he cautioned.

He further warned that Ghanaians would not accept a return to an atmosphere of fear and arbitrary action by state agencies.

“Ghanaians will not accept this descent into lawlessness and fear,” Dr Bawumia asserted, reaffirming the NPP’s commitment to democracy, rule of law, and political tolerance.