Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to grant TikToker Camilla Alhassan a presidential pardon after her conviction and one-year prison sentence for comments made on social media.
Speaking at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about the application of laws governing electronic communication and freedom of expression.
He argued that the Minority’s stance on Ghana’s legal framework for regulating online communication, particularly where the exercise of free speech intersects with criminal prosecution remains.
“Our purpose as a Minority is not to defend irresponsible speech. We do not defend lies. We do not defend hate speech. We do not defend incitement. We do not defend reckless publications that destroy reputations. What should not happen is that disagreements, criticism, satire, political comments, or even an honest mistake should become the basis for criminal prosecution and imprisonment.”
He further noted that the caucus is greatly concerned about recent prosecutions in line with the legislative instrument, calling for the act to be repealed.
“Our caucus is concerned about the growing use of the so-called fear and panic provisions in the section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act to prosecute citizens and journalists for what they say or publish. Liberal advocates have warned that Section 208 has become a tool for suppressing free expression and dissensions. Our caucus takes a view that section 208 has no place in Ghana’s democracy.
“It is used to prosecute citizens and journalists for what they say or publish, which is fundamentally at odds with the freedoms of speech and of the press that are constitutional guarantees.”
He therefore appealed to the President to grant a presidential pardon to TikToker Camilla Alhassan.
“I appeal to the President to consider pardoning Camilla Alhassan.”
Camilla Alhassan’s conviction followed a TikTok video in which she made insulting and threatening remarks about President John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady, Lordina Mahama.
The case has also drawn attention to Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
The Minority Leader’s appeal for a presidential pardon comes amid broader concerns about the use of criminal laws to regulate speech, particularly on digital platforms.
His position adds to ongoing calls for a review of provisions of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), particularly Sections 207 and 208, which have featured in debates over offensive conduct and the criminalisation of speech.
TikToker jailed one year for false news against President Mahama
