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Camilla Alhassan’s remarks defamatory; the remedy is not criminal prosecution – Kofi Bentil

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Makay

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18.07.2026

Camilla Alhassan’s remarks defamatory; the remedy is not criminal prosecution – Kofi Bentil

Kofi Bentil, a Senior lawyer and Vice-President of IMANI, has said TikToker Camilla Alhassan should not have been criminally prosecuted over her comments against President John Dramani Mahama.

According to Kofi Bentil, the TikToker’s comments are defamatory, arguing against the criminal prosecution.

Reacting to the ruling, Kofi Bentil stated, “What the lady did was defamatory; the remedy is NOT CRIMINAL PROSECUTION! We need to use the right remedies! Stop breaching rights”.

Earlier, Kofi Bentil weighed in on the one-year jail sentencing for TikToker Camilla Alhassan over remarks she made about President John Dramani Mahama.

According to Kofi Bentil, insulting a president is not an offence, and no one must suffer for what they say.

Kofi Bentil argued that Free Speech means nothing if people are jailed for insulting leaders.

In a Facebook post, Kofi Bentil stated, “Insulting a president is not an offence. No one must suffer for what they say! Unless they are guilty of defamation.

Free Speech means nothing if people are jailed for insulting leaders!! Only despots and failed nations do that!”.

His comments come on the heels of TikToker Camilla Alhassan being sentenced to one year in prison by the Accra Circuit Court.

TikToker Camilla Alhassan was sentenced after pleading guilty to offensive conduct and publishing false news over videos alleging, without evidence, that President John Dramani Mahama buried 32 cows to win the 2024 elections.

TikToker Camilla Alhassan was arrested for publishing false news and offensive conduct over videos insulting President John Dramani Mahama.

According to reports, TikToker Camilla Alhassan was put before an Accra Circuit Court and pleaded guilty to charges levelled against her.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has revealed that the TikToker Camila Alhassan, who has been jailed, will be taken to court again over a separate charge.

According to the Police, Camila Alhassan will also be put before the High Court for a separate charge of false communication.

The Ghana Police Service in a statement stated, “The Ghana Police Service has secured the conviction and sentencing of Camila Alhassan, 43, to one year imprisonment with hard labour by the Accra Circuit Court for Offensive Conduct following the publication of offensive and abusive content on social media targeting the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama.

The convict was arrested on 9th July 2026 through an intelligence-led operation after Police intercepted a TikTok video in which she made offensive, insulting, and derogatory remarks against the President and the First Lady, including threats against their lives and false allegations concerning the President’s private life. The statements were considered capable of disturbing public peace and undermining national cohesion.

Following investigations, convict Camila Alhassan was charged with Offensive Conduct and False Communication and put before the Accra Circuit Court. Although sentencing was initially deferred following her claim that she was pregnant, a medical examination conducted at the Police Hospital confirmed that she was not pregnant. On 16th July 2026, the Court sentenced her to one year’s imprisonment with hard labour.

The Ghana Police Service is also taking steps to put the convict before the High Court on the separate charge of False Communication under the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

The Ghana Police Service reminds the public that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression. that right must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. The Service reiterates that social media is not a platform for spreading falsehoods, making threats, or publishing unlawful content, and warns that anyone who engages in criminal conduct online will face the full rigours of the law”.

@ghnow_ “This is where Camilla sells her Indomie. Even those of us who have shaken Akufo-Addo’s hand wouldn’t do what she did.” — A man reacts to the sentencing of Camilla Alhassan over false remarks against President Mahama. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

@ghnow_
Be very careful with me. That should be your first and last – Bodi MP, Sampson Ahi warns Habib.
♬ original sound – GHnow

“Father, come back; your children are calling you” – Mahama tells Ken Ofori-Atta

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Makay

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17.07.2026

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“Father, come back; your children are calling you” – Mahama tells Ken Ofori-Atta

President John Dramani Mahama has told Ghana’s embattled former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana as the government pursues legal processes to secure his extradition.

Mahama recalled that Ken Ofori-Atta once described himself as a father responsible for his children.

Speaking during the Reset Tour and Citizens’ Engagement in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, Mahama stated, “You held the most sensitive position as finance minister and at the point when your own members of parliament, 80 of them signed an application that the president should remove you, you said something historic, you said you are like the father of children and that you can’t run away and leave your children”.

President Mahama added: “So if we Ghanaians are your children, we are calling you, we are begging you, father come back, your children are calling you to come back.”

“If you are a man of principle and you believe you have done nothing wrong, I don’t see why you should flee your own country,” he said.

President Mahama also spoke about the extradition process, which he says must follow the law and respect the rights of the person involved, adding that because the extradition involves another jurisdiction, the process requires the submission of a formal request and a determination by a court in the country where the individual is located.

“Extradition or return of fugitives from justice, it’s a legal process and so you need to respect the rights of the person at the same time,” he said.

“The Attorney General’s Department has done its best; it filed the application, there are some additional documents that were asked for that it is filing, and eventually it will all go before an American judge to make a decision,” he said.

In related news, Martin Amidu, a former Special Prosecutor, has said the embattled former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, must be an idiot if he voluntarily returns to Ghana to subject himself to investigation and possible prosecution.

Mr Amidu cautioned Ken Ofori-Atta not to return to Ghana to subject himself to ongoing investigations and possible prosecution against the advice of his lawyers.

According to Martin Amidu, the ongoing investigations and possible prosecution against Ofori-Atta are a political witch-hunt, which has become nauseating to him.

In a strongly worded statement, Martin Amidu claimed President John Dramani Mahama is using state agencies to persecute his political opponents for future electoral benefits.

Martin Amidu alleged that President Mahama has chosen Ken Ofori-Atta to be the face of this playbook.

Martin Amidu in his statement stated, “Ken Ofori-Atta must be an idiot if, after advice from his lawyers, both national and international, he voluntarily returns to Ghana to subject himself to investigation and possible prosecution after the government machinery was used at taxpayers’ expense to mount a consistent trial in the court of public opinion (instead of in a court of law) of alleged suspected corruption and corruption-related offences against him. The case of Diezani Alison-Madueke, who got justice in the United Kingdom, not Nigeria, is a guide”.

He further argued that laws governing the prosecution of corruption in the country are not being applied in Ofori-Atta’s case.

Amidu added, “The provisions of the 1992 Constitution on the fundamental human rights and freedoms guarantee everybody in Ghana expansive rights and freedoms to life, liberty, human dignity, equality and freedom from discrimination, protection of home and property, fair trial, and the general fundamental freedoms.

“Ordinary citizens and public office holders of whatever rank are equally guaranteed these rights and freedoms when it comes to the investigation and prosecution of crime. The Constitution treats crime as crime for everybody: it prohibits political crime for public office holders and crime for other citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has clarified that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s trial in absentia can only proceed once the US authorities have formally returned proof of service.

Watch the video below:

"We are begging you, Father, come back" — Mahama to Ken Ofori-Atta#ChannelOneNews #PresidentMahama #KenOforiAtta #GhanaNews pic.twitter.com/4wti2WnLYM
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) July 17, 2026

Construction work continues steadily on the Tema motorway expansion project #GHnow pic.twitter.com/gMa2luoJlN
— GHnow (@ghnow_) July 17, 2026

Drains in front of GCTU are also filling up with refuse and sand, raising concerns about sanitation and drainage challenges. GHNow brings you updates from the ground.#GHnow pic.twitter.com/koJYU1dZJw
— GHnow (@ghnow_) July 16, 2026

“The pains I am going through have taught me a lesson” — Chairman Wontumi

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Makay

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17.07.2026

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“The pains I am going through have taught me a lesson” — Chairman Wontumi

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has opened up about his disappointment with the party’s current leadership.

According to Chairman Wontumi, he feels abandoned despite his contributions to the party.

Wontumi questioned the party’s leadership over what he described as a lack of appreciation for his sacrifices, citing his media platforms, which remained among the few media outlets consistently promoting the NPP.

Wontumi highlighted that following the attacks on his media outlets by the government, no member of the party had come to support him or have the NPP issued a statement.

Speaking in a viral video, Chairman Wontumi stated, “The General Secretary led the party to defeat, yet we have not learned any lessons from it. The pain we expressed is the reason why.

“You can all attest to the fact that my radio stations in Accra and Takoradi have fully supported the party. Yet our party communicators and the party have done nothing about it,” he said.

According to Wontumi, the experiences he has endured since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) returned to power have taught him painful lessons.

“The pain I am experiencing in life has made me reflect deeply. It has taught me a lot. Why are you people behaving this way? Can’t you see the pain I’m going through? The NPP radio doesn’t have any other option,” he lamented.

In related news, a netizen on X, identified as Patrick Kwame Sah, has detailed how Chairman Wontumi, was abandoned by NPP bigwigs in the middle of his Samreboi trial.

According to the information gathered, Chairman Wontumi, during proceedings in the Samreboi illegal mining case, was scouting for witnesses, but his own party bigwigs abandoned him in the middle of the trial.

It has been reported that the persons who came to his aid were Wisdom Gomashie and Hon George Mireku Duker, with claims being made that the former Western Regional Minister Kwabena Otchere Darko Mensah, who was unwilling to be his witness, came up with jokes when he took the witness stand.

Also, it has been alleged that Dominic Nitiwul, Francis Owusu Ajyaw and Samuel Abu Jinapo were nowhere to be found for their witness statements during the trial.

The netizen in a post wrote, “This man called Mr Benard Antwi Bosiako alias Wontumi has been betrayed by his own NP PARTY PEOPLE.

Inside the Party, he has more enemies than in NDC, and I know that because of messages I received from his perceived FOES in NPP.

This man in the Samreboi Illegal Mining Case was scouting for witnesses, but his own party bigwigs, he believes, were perfect witnesses, ABANDONED him in the middle of the TRIAL.

Dominic Nitiwul, Francis Owusu Ajyaw and Samuel Abu Jinapo were nowhere to be found for their WITNESS statements.

The only persons who came to his aid were Wisdom Gomashie and Hon George Mireku Duker; they showed love for him WILLINGLY, and the former Western Regional Minister Kwabena Otchere Darko Mensah, who was UNWILLING and as if he was FORCED to witness for him that day with so many “JOKES”

He further disclosed that the NPP bigwigs came to court in the case of ABRONYE BAIL APPEAL but REFUSED to come to the Next Court steps away to say hello to him.

“I wept the day 17 NPP lawyers, including Odame, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Justin Kodua, etc together with NPP chairmanship aspirants like John Boadu, Nana Bee, BUGA, etc came to court in the case of ABRONYE BAIL APPEAL but REFUSED to come to the Next Court steps away to say hello to him.

They saw ABRONYE’s case as more useful than this MAN.

This man always comes to court with only 5 LOYAL FOOT SPIDERS and HONOURABLE GEORGE ODURO, his Campaign Manager, and I always ask him.

Chairman, where are the MINORITY MPS who INVADED EOCO PREMISE Demanding your RELEASE? And I am always sad with his REPLY. In fact, he is a Gentleman meeting him outside the political space or Arena.

This man is HATED by his own NP PARTY people, including my own Akomprɛko Bɛba. Some are currently fasting and praying for a custodial sentence for him in the Samreboi case, which is fixed on July 3”.his post added.

Watch the video below:

@verifiedtvofficial LIVE | The pains I am going through have taught me a lesson — Chairman Wontumi, NPP National Chairman hopeful. #VerifiedTV #VerifiedNews ♬ original sound – Verified TV

@ghnow_ One person has been shot dead and four others injured after staff of Aduanepa Fie Restaurant clashed with Kibi Goldfields soldiers during a sanitation exercise at Osino. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Shadows of Suspense – Adauto Assis

@ghnow_
Odumase: 13 feared dead, several injured in Kumasi-Accra highway crash
♬ original sound – GHnow

“Eat some, but don’t consume everything” – Eric Opoku to Nkoko Nkitinkiti beneficiaries

Makay

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17.07.2026

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“Eat some, but don’t consume everything” – Eric Opoku to Nkoko Nkitinkiti beneficiaries

Eric Opoku, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, has told the beneficiaries of the government’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative to consume some of the birds but not everything.

The Agric Minister urged beneficiaries to treat the programme as a business venture by selling most of the birds they rear.

Eric Opoku noted that beneficiaries are likely to use some of the birds for household use but urged them to prioritise expanding their stock and selling the rest to generate income.

Speaking on The Future of Poultry Beyond Nkoko Nkitinkiti on Friday, July 17, the minister stated, “You have been given the birds, and you are a human being, so you cannot leave them there and go to the market to buy chicken once you have it.

So consume some, but don’t consume everything. See it as a business and as seed that can help you expand your poultry enterprise…In any case, what are birds raised for? Are they clocks to be fixed on the wall for people to look at? ”

Meanwhile, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate beneficiaries of the government’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme who allegedly consumed the birds.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin quizzed the NDC government if they are going to take their party members who consumed the Nkoko Nkitinkiti, which were meant to be reared, to EOCO for accountability.

Afenyo-Markin argued that the Nkoko Nkitinkiti were provided under a state-funded intervention designed to support livelihoods and boost poultry production, and therefore beneficiaries who consumed them should be held accountable for the misuse of public resources.

On the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, July 14, during discussions on the implementation of the programme, Afenyo-Markin stated, “They have eaten it. They were supposed to rear the birds and sell and reinvest. Now that they have consumed the birds, what will become of them? What is the accountability in it?”

The Minority leader highlighted that if the Mahama government is pursuing accountability in the use of public funds, Nkoko Nkitinkiti beneficiaries who consumed the birds should also be investigated.

“You guys are talking about accountability, so your party members who got the birds that they said they have consumed and have given evidence to the Minister, are you going to send them to EOCO? Because it is state funds, it also amounts to looting; however, the amount,” he said.

Also, Fiifi Boafo, the former Head of Public Affairs at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has said the Mahama government’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme is a waste of state resources.

According to Fiifi Boafo, the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme is incapable of creating sustainable poultry businesses.

He quizzed the rationale behind distributing only a few birds to beneficiaries.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, July 10, Fiifi Boafo stated, “The Nkoko Nkitinkiti is a complete waste of state resources, nothing more, nothing less”.

“If you say that you are giving people chickens to rear and you give them two, what are they going to use them for? If not for them to just enjoy them, what business can anybody create with two? What sort of model is that?” he questioned.

“What was the target? What did we seek to realise from this? What has been the result after a year?” he asked.

“Has it reduced imports, and by what percentage? What are the savings that we’ve made? How much money have we invested in it, and what benefit have we received as a result?” he said.

He added, “What was the business model around this whole Nkoko Nkitinkiti, and how many chickens do we give to people? Initially, we were told 50, reduced to 15, now to two”.

“So it just demonstrates the point that what the government claimed it was going to do totally failed. They did not realise it.”

“Ask yourself, five chickens, what are you going to do with that? Which business are you going to run with five?” he asked, describing the initiative as “just an unnecessary use of state resources.”

@ghnow_ You are the first gentleman at the bar, but I am your senior here – Afenyo-Markin clashes with Attorney General Ayine in parliament over the tribunal bill. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

@ghnow_ Tiktoker Camila Alhassan sentenced 1 year imprisonment for spreading false information against the President #GHNow ♬ original sound – GHnow

Supreme Court case on Presidential term not my business – Mahama

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Makay

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17.07.2026

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Supreme Court case on Presidential term not my business – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has boldly stated that the Presidential term clause in Ghana’s constitution is clear with no ambiguity in the provision.

According to John Mahama, the Supreme Court case on Presidential term is not his business.

Mahama disclosed that he believes the constitutional provision governing presidential tenure is clear, following a legal action seeking the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the two-term limit for presidents.

Speaking during the Reset Tour and citizens’ engagement in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, President Mahama stated, “I know that people have gone to the Supreme Court seeking interpretation of the clause that governs the tenure of the president. If you ask my personal opinion, I thought that it was clear enough. I’ve read it over several times; it’s exactly what it says, but if they want to ask the Supreme Court, that is their business”.

“The people of Ghana gave me a mandate for one term. And I am working hard to meet the promises I made them,” he said.

Mahama added that he has urged his ministers to work with urgency to ensure the government fulfils its commitments.

“I always tell my ministers, I say let’s number our days, so that we can work harder to meet the promises we made the Ghanaian people,” he said.

President Mahama added, “But I know that the people of Ghana gave me one additional term, and I’m going to work to meet the trust that they put in me”.

His comments come on the heels of Ken Kuranchie, a Ghanaian news editor and lawyer, filing a writ at the Supreme Court seeking interpretation of Ghana’s presidential term-limit.

Reports suggest the suit was filed on June 30, 2026, and was brought by Ken Kuranchie and Bridget Brita Buabeng of Besamho Legal Consult, Kasoa, representing him, with the Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, named as the sole defendant.

The case refers to Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which limits a person to two terms as President of Ghana.

The suit is seeking an interpretation of Article 66(2) of the Constitution, arguing that the two-term presidential limit applies only after two consecutive elected four-year terms and that a break resets the eligibility count.

Ken Kuranchie is seeking three declarations from the court.

The first being that the two-term presidential limit in Article 66(2) only takes effect upon the completion of two consecutive terms of four years each.

“A declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 66(2), 246(2), 1(1), 35(1), and 42 of the 1992 Constitution, the two-term presidential limit in Article 66(2) is properly construed as imposing a prohibition on election to the office of President of Ghana only upon the completion of two consecutive terms of four years each,” the writ stated.

The second a substantial break of one four-year electoral cycle resets the eligibility count.

“A declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 66(2), 246(2), 1(1), 35(1), and 42 of the 1992 Constitution, a substantial break of one four-year electoral cycle of elected presidential service resets the eligibility count,” the writ added.

The third, that the prohibition in Article 66(2) is not engaged until a person has been elected to and has served two consecutive elected terms of four years each.

The writ added, “A declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 66(2), 246(2), 1(1), 35(1), and 42 of the 1992 Constitution, the prohibition in Article 66(2) is not engaged until a person has been elected to and has served two consecutive elected terms of four years each”.

@ghnow_ Construction work continues steadily on the Tema motorway expansion project #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – One Leg🦵🏾Blog 🎥

@ghnow_ The minority stages yet another walk out led by Hon. Afenyo Markin #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“There’ll be reshuffles and reshuffles and reshuffles” – Mahama hints

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Makay

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17.07.2026

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“There’ll be reshuffles and reshuffles and reshuffles” – Mahama hints

President John Dramani Mahama has hinted at a ministerial reshuffle in his government as his administration continues to operate with a lean structure.

According to John Mahama, there will be reshuffles and reshuffles and reshuffles under his administration.

Mahama disclosed that his administration reduced the size of government to curb public expenditure.

Speaking during the Reset Tour and citizens’ engagement in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, President Mahama stated, “There’ll be reshuffles and reshuffles and reshuffles, so just stand in readiness. Who knows, your turn will come and you’ll be invited to serve”.

“We’ve kept it lean and mean, and that is how we’re able to cut down some of the waste,” he said.

Mahama’s comments follow the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, who has hinted that President John Mahama will soon conduct an assessment of appointees’ performance ahead of a possible reshuffle.

According to Callistus Mahama, the ministers and Chief Executive Officers of state institutions will all be assessed “based on tangible outcomes, measurable impact, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the successful implementation of Government policies and programmes”.

In a statement issued by the Presidency on Monday, June 8, Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, warned appointees against taking private awards and hinted that President Mahama will soon undertake a comprehensive review of all ministers and heads of state institutions to determine their retention, reassignment, or removal from office.

Parts of the statement read, “Accordingly, Ministers and Chief Executive Officers are reminded that their performance will be assessed based on tangible outcomes, measurable impact, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the successful implementation of Government policies and programmes.

His Excellency the President wishes to emphasise that, in due course, the Presidency will undertake a comprehensive review of the performance of Ministers and Chief Executive Officers. The findings of this review shall constitute a key basis for decisions relating to retention in office, reassignment of responsibilities, and any future Cabinet or executive restructuring.

Public officials are therefore encouraged to devote their full attention to the execution of their mandates and the delivery of results for the people of Ghana rather than seeking or participating in external recognition schemes of questionable credibility.

Your cooperation in this matter is highly appreciated.

Please accept the assurances of the highest consideration of His Excellency, the President of the Republic”.

Also, the NDC, in a statement, had earlier urged the public to disregard circulating reports of a purported ministerial reshuffle.

According to the NDC, the purported ministerial reshuffle is false and misleading.

The party further cautions that deliberate misinformation continues to undermine public discourse and calls on citizens to verify all official information before sharing.

In a press statement by the NDC, it read, “As we all strive to curb the menace of deliberate misinformation, some individuals will stop at nothing to poison the atmosphere.

The official spokesperson for this administration is Hon Felic Kwakye Ofosu. Kindly verify any such information through his official channels before sharing it.

The Cybersecurity Act have serious implications, so let us all be mindful and responsible in our communication”.

The NDC statement follows a purported list claiming that President Mahama has announced ministerial and Deputy ministerial changes.

The so-called list saw Ministers like Sam George, Eric, and Dr Frank Amoakohene, with other appointments being terminated.

Also, the list saw some reassignments and new appointments, with Dr Zanetor Rawlings being named as the Defence Minister among others.

@ghnow_ One person has been shot dead and four others injured after staff of Aduanepa Fie Restaurant clashed with Kibi Goldfields soldiers during a sanitation exercise at Osino. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Shadows of Suspense – Adauto Assis

@ghnow_ Construction work continues steadily on the Tema motorway expansion project #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – One Leg🦵🏾Blog 🎥

TikToker Camila Alhassan to be arraigned before court on another charge – Police

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Makay

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17.07.2026

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TikToker Camila Alhassan to be arraigned before court on another charge – Police

The Ghana Police Service has revealed that the TikToker Camila Alhassan, who has been jailed, will be taken to court again over a separate charge.

According to the Police, Camila Alhassan will also be put before the High Court for a separate charge of false communication.

The Ghana Police Service in a statement stated, “The Ghana Police Service has secured the conviction and sentencing of Camila Alhassan, 43, to one year imprisonment with hard labour by the Accra Circuit Court for Offensive Conduct following the publication of offensive and abusive content on social media targeting the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama.

The convict was arrested on 9th July 2026 through an intelligence-led operation after Police intercepted a TikTok video in which she made offensive, insulting, and derogatory remarks against the President and the First Lady, including threats against their lives and false allegations concerning the President’s private life. The statements were considered capable of disturbing public peace and undermining national cohesion.

Following investigations, convict Camila Alhassan was charged with Offensive Conduct and False Communication and put before the Accra Circuit Court. Although sentencing was initially deferred following her claim that she was pregnant, a medical examination conducted at the Police Hospital confirmed that she was not pregnant. On 16th July 2026, the Court sentenced her to one year’s imprisonment with hard labour.

The Ghana Police Service is also taking steps to put the convict before the High Court on the separate charge of False Communication under the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

The Ghana Police Service reminds the public that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression. that right must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. The Service reiterates that social media is not a platform for spreading falsehoods, making threats, or publishing unlawful content, and warns that anyone who engages in criminal conduct online will face the full rigours of the law”.

Meanwhile, Franklin Cudjoe, the IMANI Africa President, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to pardon TikToker Camilla Alhassan following her one-year prison sentence.

In a social media post, Franklin Cudjoe quizzed why the case was prosecuted and whether Attorney General and Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe Sai were aware of it.

He further questioned the decision to convict Alhassan over videos in which she falsely claimed that President Mahama sacrificed 32 cows as part of a ritual to win the 2024 general elections.

Franklin Cudjoe in his post wrote, “So which overfed and pampered prosecutor brought this case against the woman? Is he or she not deliberately sabotaging the President? Did AG Dominic Ayine and Justice Sai know about this case? And the judge? You actually jail a person who says the President buried 32 cows to help him spiritually win the elections?

I would have been shy to even entertain such comedy in my court! Alas, as an accessory to this comedy, the court became a theatre that staged a comedy of errors! What is this??

Mr President, please reject this senseless persecution in your name! Please pardon Ms Alhassan!”.

Also, Kofi Bentil, a Senior lawyer and IMANI Africa Vice-President, has weighed in on the one-year jail sentencing for TikToker Camilla Alhassan over remarks she made about President John Dramani Mahama.

According to Kofi Bentil, insulting a president is not an offence, and no one must suffer for what they say.

Kofi Bentil argued that Free Speech means nothing if people are jailed for insulting leaders.

In a Facebook post, Kofi Bentil stated, “Insulting a president is not an offence. No one must suffer for what they say! Unless they are guilty of defamation.

Free Speech means nothing if people are jailed for insulting leaders!! Only despots and failed nations do that!”.

See the post below:

PRESS RELEASE:

POLICE SECURE CONVICTION OF CAMILA ALHASSAN FOR OFFENSIVE CONDUCT pic.twitter.com/TQqjbJ7GnR
— Ghana Police Service (@GhPoliceService) July 17, 2026

@ghnow_ You are the first gentleman at the bar, but I am your senior here – Afenyo-Markin clashes with Attorney General Ayine in parliament over the tribunal bill. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

@ghnow_ Tiktoker Camila Alhassan sentenced 1 year imprisonment for spreading false information against the President #GHNow ♬ original sound – GHnow

Future NPP gov’t will scrap the regional tribunals – Afenyo-Markin

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Makay

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17.07.2026

0

Future NPP gov’t will scrap the regional tribunals – Afenyo-Markin

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) future government will scrap the regional tribunals.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the NPP position is very clear that Ghana do not need the tribunals being introduced by the Mahama administration.

The Minority leader of Parliament argued that Ghana’s justice system requires more investment in infrastructure and personnel rather than the establishment of regional tribunals.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, July 17, 2026, Afenyo-Markin stated, “The NPP’s position is very clear. We don’t need these regional tribunals”.

“What we need to do is to strengthen our court system, invest in retooling, train our judges and get those with the necessary integrity to man our courts and dispense justice without fear or favour”.

According to Afenyo-Markin, any judicial arrangement that alters Ghana’s court structure would not survive under a future NPP administration.

“Anything that will disturb the existing judicial infrastructure would have to go. You need executive powers to support your legislative powers in Parliament to effect major reforms, transformations and changes,” he stated.

Meanwhile, in parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, before the passage of the bill, called for the deletion of a key provision in the proposed Tribunals Bill, 2026.

According to him, the creation of district and regional tribunals would establish a parallel justice system and undermine Ghana’s existing judicial architecture.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, warned that the Tribunals Bill will create chaos in justice delivery.

Afenyo-Markin stated, “Mr Speaker, I move that the entire Clause 4 be deleted?”.

“My reason is very simple.”

He argued that while Articles 125 and 126 of the Constitution recognise the possibility of establishing tribunals, they do not compel Parliament to create them, adding that the House should instead strengthen the existing court system rather than establish new institutions that could create uncertainty in the administration of justice.

“What kind of chaos are we introducing?” he asked.

“You have a district court, you have a circuit court, you have a high court, you have a court of appeal, you have a judiciary architecture that is not broken.”

“The disagreement we may have with certain pronouncements of certain judges… does not mean that we create some parallel structures that we call a justice system,” he said.

“How on earth do we create a new system to compete with a known system just because somewhere in the Constitution certain pronouncements are made?” he asked.

“The Constitution says Parliament may determine,” he said. “I am saying that this Parliament must know that the justice architecture we have is not a broken architecture.”

“I contend that creating this new tribunal system by this proposal will bring chaos to the justice delivery system we have in our country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Parliament has passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026, after the legislation went through its third reading and received approval from parliamentarians.

The passage of the Tribunals Bill, 2026 will pave the way for the reintroduction of tribunals under a revised legal framework, which will create regional and district courts to tackle specialised tax, mining, and fraud cases.

The bill will now be transmitted to President John Dramani Mahama for his assent before it becomes law.

On Thursday, July 16, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, moved for the Bill to be read for the third time,

He sought approval from the Speaker to waive the requirement for a one-day interval between the consideration stage and the third reading.

Dr Dominic Ayine stated, “May I move that, notwithstanding the provision in Order 172, sub-order 1 of the Standing Orders which requires that when a Bill has passed through the consideration stage, the third reading thereof shall not be taken until at least one sitting day has elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the Tribunals Bill, 2026 may be moved today. I so move, Mr Speaker”.

After the third reading, the House approved the Bill, completing the parliamentary process required before it is sent to the President.

The Tribunals Bill, 2026 was earlier introduced by Dr Ayine earlier this year.

He explained that the proposed law was aimed at enhancing access to justice, addressing delays in the court system and restoring tribunals with appropriate constitutional safeguards.

The Tribunals Bill was subsequently referred to Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee for detailed review before being brought back to the House for consideration.

@ghnow_ You are the first gentleman at the bar, but I am your senior here – Afenyo-Markin clashes with Attorney General Ayine in parliament over the tribunal bill. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

@ghnow_ Tiktoker Camila Alhassan sentenced 1 year imprisonment for spreading false information against the President #GHNow ♬ original sound – GHnow

“I’m very happy for the Community Service Bill” – Supreme Court Justice

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Makay

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17.07.2026

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“I’m very happy for the Community Service Bill” – Supreme Court Justice

Supreme Court Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Agyei has expressed his excitement following Parliament’s passage of the Community Service Bill.

According to Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Agyei, no one should be imprisoned for stealing plantain or 100gh.

The Supreme Court Justice is quoted by GHOne TV news card to have said, “No one should be imprisoned for stealing plantain or 100gh if they did it out of hunger and no one was hurt in the process.

I’m very happy for the Community Service Bill”.

Some netizens reacting to his comments stated, “Supreme Court Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Agyei is the wisest judge in Ghana. Ghana will work again with such serious minds at the helm of affairs. I am really looking forward to this Community Service Bill”.

A netizen added, “It’s good that they are taking this action. This should have been instituted in our justice system a long time ago. What will they do to those who are in prison now serving jail sentences for these petty crimes?

All of them should be released on time already served”.

One last netizen added, “This’s Akan law! When U fetch ONLY enough food to eat from any farm—NOT A CRIME. It’s only when you fetch large amounts to sell that it becomes an ‘mfomsoɔ’ requiring a court hearing at the LOCAL king’s court…HOW THIS DIDN’T FIND ITS WAY INTO THE EURO-SYSTEM IN 🇬🇭 TILL NOW IS STRANGE”.

His comments follow Parliament’s passage of the Community Service Bill, 2026, introducing community service as an alternative to imprisonment for persons convicted of specified categories of offences.

The new legislation establishes a National Community Service Secretariat and provides a legal framework for non-custodial sentencing to reduce overcrowding in Ghana’s prisons and promote offender rehabilitation.

Under the law, courts will have broader discretion to impose community service instead of custodial sentences in eligible cases.

On March 4, 2026, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, presented the bill before Parliament in accordance with Article 106(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

The bill was then referred to the Committee on Defence and Interior for consideration and a report.

The committee’s report disclosed that Ghana’s criminal justice system has traditionally relied heavily on custodial sentences as the primary form of punishment for convicted persons, a practice that has contributed to persistent overcrowding in prisons.

The report said the situation has placed considerable strain on the Ghana Prisons Service and increased government expenditure on inmate maintenance, healthcare, feeding and prison infrastructure.

The committee disclosed that efforts to develop a structured non-custodial sentencing regime began in 2014 when the Interior Ministry, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), initiated the preparation of a non-custodial sentencing policy.

The Community Service Bill gives effect to non-custodial sentencing provisions under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), and the Interpretation Act, 2009 (Act 792).

See the post below:

No one should be imprisoned for stealing plantain or 100gh. I'm very happy for the Community Service Bill… – Supreme Court Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Agyei#GHOneNews #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV #NewsAlert pic.twitter.com/l7q4X51mBL
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) July 12, 2026

@ghnow_ The minority stages yet another walk out led by Hon. Afenyo Markin #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

@ghnow_ Tiktoker Camila Alhassan sentenced 1 year imprisonment for spreading false information against the President #GHNow ♬ original sound – GHnow

“Please reject this senseless persecution! Pardon Camilla Alhassan” – Franklin Cudjoe begs Mahama

News

Makay

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17.07.2026

0

“Please reject this senseless persecution! Pardon Camilla Alhassan” – Franklin Cudjoe begs Mahama

Franklin Cudjoe, the IMANI Africa President, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to pardon TikToker Camilla Alhassan following her one-year prison sentence.