Afenyo-Markin calls on Mahama to pardon Camilla Alhassan
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.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has implored President John Dramani Mahama to commute the sentence of TikTok personality Camilla Alhassan, who is currently serving a one-year prison term for comments she made on social media. This appeal was made during the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards ceremony held in Accra on November 7, 2026.
Afenyo-Markin expressed his concerns over the application of laws that govern electronic communication and freedom of expression. He emphasized that the minority party does not defend irresponsible speech, lies, hate speech, incitement, or reckless publications that damage reputations. In his view, disagreements, criticism, satire, political comments, or honest mistakes should not be grounds for criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
Furthermore, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the minority's apprehension about recent prosecutions under the Electronic Communications Act, particularly Section 208. He urged for the repeal of this act, citing its potential to suppress free speech and dissent. The minority party maintains that Section 208 has no place in Ghana's democracy as it criminalizes citizens and journalists for their speech, contradicting the constitutional guarantees of free speech and the press.
Turning his attention to Alhassan's specific case, Afenyo-Markin requested that the President pardon her. She gained notoriety after posting an insulting and threatening TikTok video about President Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama. The case has sparked discussions about Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
Afenyo-Markin's plea for a presidential pardon echoes broader concerns about the misuse of criminal laws to regulate speech, especially on digital platforms. His stance aligns with ongoing calls for a review of sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which have been under scrutiny for their role in criminalizing offensive conduct and speech.
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