Accra, July 17, GNA – The Media Research Institute (MRi), a non-governmental Organisation, has urged President Mahama to pardon Camilla Alhassan, jailed for offensive conduct and publication of false news on TikTok.
The call was made in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency by Dr Daniel Nkrumah, Executive Secretary of the Institute, who described the one‑year jail term as “harsh and alarming.”
“While the comments and actions of Camilla are despicable by all standards, the one‑year jail term is tantamount to killing an ant with a sledgehammer.
The MRi believes this sentence is not only high‑handed but also a dangerous precedent that presents a veritable threat to free speech,” he said.
Camilla Alhassan, 43, was sentenced with hard labour on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after a Circuit Court in Accra found her guilty of making offensive and derogatory statements against President Mahama in a video circulated on TikTok.
Dr Nkrumah noted that actions meant to instil decency in conversations on traditional and new media platforms should not turn out as “extreme and high‑handed.”
He said that social media should not be a vent for “reckless” political commentary which undermined peace, unity and collective national interest.
Dr Nkrumah urged politicians and citizens to demonstrate decorum and decency in conversations on social media, while state institutions, faith‑based organisations and civil society intensified civic education on good political conduct and addressed the culture of indecency in political communication.
“We urge the relevant agencies and institutions to rise to the challenge and build a system that respects the right to free speech for all irrespective of differences in status and influence in society.
“The citizenry should be reminded that while their right to free speech is a cherished right, it comes with responsibilities.
“More importantly, political leaders should lead by example and avoid incendiary political language that is not only populist but dangerous to our democracy,” he said.
The MRi is dedicated to media research, media training and media development advocacy in Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Ernest Nutsugah
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