Godwin Ako Gunn, the Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC, has launched a scathing critique of NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He described the former Vice President as a hypocrite for condemning government actions that he remained silent on while his own party held power.
The friction follows allegations made by Dr Bawumia on Saturday, 18 April, suggesting that Ghana’s democratic principles are under threat from President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
He accused the government of undermining free speech and deploying state security agencies to intimidate political opponents.
These remarks were delivered to Bono Region NPP executives during a visit to his residence to express gratitude for his support of Abubakar Yakubu, a detained party member also known as Baba Amando. Dr Bawumia warned that such tactics risk eroding the country’s hard-won democratic gains.
Responding to these claims on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Nyankonton Mu Nsem, Mr Gunn argued that Dr Bawumia’s comments serve only to embolden NPP communicators who view “insult politics” as a legitimate tool.
He stressed that failing to discipline “the children” for their misconduct would eventually result in negative consequences for the entire nation.
Mr Gunn challenged Dr Bawumia to account for his silence during instances when the NPP allegedly intimidated, harassed, and oppressed critics of their own administration.
He insisted that the NPP leader lacks the moral authority to make such assertions now.
While admitting that the intimidation of political opponents is unacceptable regardless of which party is in office, Ako Gunn urged the flagbearer to confront his supporters directly and condemn their toxic communication style.
He warned that without firm leadership, these divisive practices will continue to permeate Ghana’s political landscape unchecked.
Reflecting on the situation, Mr Gunn remarked:“It is sad that Dr Bawumia is the one crying today over intimidation, abuse of power, and suppression of free speech. It is nauseating that he is the one to complain about this today. Despite our political differences, we should respect ourselves and each other. As a leader of a political party, you have a responsibility to call your party supporters to order when they hurl insults at your political opponents. You don’t smile at them. What Bawumia is doing amounts to shielding the irresponsible political communicators in his party who are insulting everyone.
It is just a year since they went out of office and today, they are hypocritically complaining.
We saw what they did and how they intimidated, harassed, and arrested NDC supporters. We never heard Dr Bawumia talk or complain about this, and yet, he is complaining today after a year in opposition. I will not encourage political intimidation at any level. We should also be blunt with Dr Bawumia and let him know that he should not be a hypocrite. It is important to condemn all those who are engaged in the politics of insults because it is not healthy. We don’t have to be selective, and that is what Dr Bawumia must appreciate.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana