The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure what he describes as fairness in the treatment of government critics, arguing that if controversial commentator Kelvin Taylor is able to operate freely, then Camila Alhassan should not remain in detention.

In a strongly worded statement shared on x (formerly Twitter), Ahiagbah questioned what he described as the selective treatment of critics and urged the President to uphold democratic principles by applying equal standards regardless of political affiliation.

“Good morning, Your Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama. If Kelvin Taylor is moving around free, then Camila Alhassan should not be in jail. Fair is fair, Mr. President,” Ahiagbah wrote.

The NPP communications director alleged that the actions taken against Camila Alhassan were carried out in the President’s name and warned that such measures could undermine Mahama’s democratic legacy.

“This repressive action against Camila Alhassan was carried out in your name. The heavy-handedness does no favors for your legacy because such efforts can’t silence citizens in a democracy; they never worked in the past, and they won’t work now,” he stated.

Ahiagbah argued that arresting or harassing individuals who criticize the government would only generate more opposition rather than silence dissent.

According to him, citizens in a democracy will continue to voice their frustrations regardless of the consequences.

“The only thing to be gained from these arrests and harassment of critics of your government is more dissenters and critics. Eventually, the people will prevail because this is a democracy, and citizens will speak out or vent their frustrations regardless of the cost.”

He further maintained that the best way to reduce public criticism is through effective governance and tangible results, not the suppression of opposing voices.

“The only thing that silences dissent is results, but so far, the results are lacking; you cannot silence Ghanaians when the government fails to deliver. We will dissent even louder because it is our right to speak up.”

Ahiagbah also cautioned that continued repression could strengthen, rather than weaken, public opposition to the government.

“Your government will be overwhelmed by dissent if repression and suppression are your responses. More Camila Alhassans will emerge to hold your government accountable,” he concluded.

His comments add to the growing public debate surrounding the arrest and detention of Camila Alhassan, with supporters and critics offering differing views on the government’s handling of dissent and freedom of expression.

The Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Kofi Adu Domfe, has defended the jailing of a TikToker over alleged defamatory comments about the President, insisting that freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to spread falsehoods.

Speaking on the growing controversy surrounding the case via a zoom interview on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Mr. Domfe cautioned that social media platforms must not become safe havens for reckless and defamatory content.
“The social media must not be used recklessly,” he stated.

He stressed that bloggers, influencers, and journalists should not hide behind the principle of free speech to justify defamatory publications.
“Bloggers and journalists must not frown on defamation law in the name of free speech.”
Mr. Domfe also expressed concern over the increasing number of unregulated online content creators, saying many people now claim to be journalists simply because they own smartphones.
“Everybody picks a phone and begins to claim they are news publishers, denting the image of ethical journalism.”

According to him, the media landscape requires greater accountability to protect the integrity of journalism and ensure the public receives credible information.
He therefore called for stronger regulation of new media platforms and content creators.
“We need to pay critical attention to the new media and streamline their activities.”

Commenting on the jailed TikToker’s remarks about the President, Mr. Dimfe argued that the statements amounted to unsubstantiated falsehoods that fall within the scope of criminal offences.
“What the woman said on social media about the President borders on defamation and unsubstantiated falsehood.”
He concluded by reminding media practitioners and online commentators that the constitutional right to free expression comes with responsibility.
“Freedom of speech has its limitation, so whether you are a blogger or a journalist, you must be responsible and mindful of the kind of information you spread to the public.”

His remarks come amid an intensifying national debate over online misinformation, responsible digital communication, and the balance between free expression and accountability on social media

Security consultant Richard Kumador has called for stronger measures to tackle misinformation, disinformation and irresponsible behaviour on social media, warning that no one should assume they can evade accountability for harmful online actions.

Speaking on the growing impact of false information via a zoom meeting on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Kumador said many countries are introducing laws to address misinformation and disinformation because of their potential to fuel political instability, undermine governance and even trigger civil unrest.

He noted that while Ghana’s proposed legislation on misinformation is still awaiting parliamentary approval, existing criminal laws already provide sanctions against offensive conduct, whether committed online or offline.
Kumador also stressed the need to amend the country’s cybersecurity laws to keep pace with emerging trends on social media, arguing that technological advancements require continuous updates to the legal framework.

He referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement of an upcoming technology bill to support Ghana’s artificial intelligence agenda, saying the legislation could help address emerging digital challenges.

According to him, individual responsibility and accountability remain crucial in ensuring a safe digital space.
“I think we would need public education on the dos and don’ts when one is on social media,” he said, adding that many online activities are dangerous and unacceptable.

Kumador warned that people who make defamatory or derogatory statements about others can cause significant emotional distress and should not expect to escape punishment.
“In maintaining law and order, everyone must be responsible and live in a way that does not infringe on the rights of others,” he said.