Two young women from the Nhyiaeso Constituency in the Ashanti Region have been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court after allegedly making offensive comments about President John Dramani Mahama during a TikTok livestream. The case has sparked a heated national debate over free speech, due process, and political accountability.
According to reports, the women were arrested by National Security operatives in Kumasi, transported to Accra, and detained for four days before being presented in court — a move their lawyer argues violates the constitutional 48-hour limit on detention.
While many Ghanaians agree that abusive online remarks must not be encouraged, critics say the state’s response amounts to political overreach. Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Stephen Amoah, condemned the arrests, warning that such heavy-handed tactics undermine democratic values and erode respect for the rule of law.
The women have since issued a public apology, raising further questions about whether their continued detention is proportionate or instead intended to intimidate citizens from criticising government officials.
This incident mirrors recent arrests of TikTok activists following the August 6 helicopter crash, reinforcing concerns from civil society groups about a growing clash between state security and free expression. Observers warn that Ghana faces a critical choice: defend constitutional freedoms or risk sliding into a climate where online dissent is met with excessive force.
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Story by Josiah Avornyo | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah
