The Media Research Institute (MRi) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to exercise his constitutional prerogative of mercy to grant a presidential pardon to jailed TikToker, Camilla Alhassan, describing her one-year prison sentence as harsh, excessive and a threat to free speech.
According to the Institute, although Camilla’s actions and comments were unacceptable, sentencing her to one year in prison for offensive conduct and publication of false news amounts to an excessive punishment that undermines public confidence in the justice system.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Daniel Nkrumah, the MRi argued that the punishment was disproportionate, particularly when compared with the treatment of politically exposed persons who have made similar or even more inflammatory public remarks without facing prosecution.
The Institute reminded the President of the 2016 case involving the “Montie Three,” who were sentenced to four months’ imprisonment by the Supreme Court for contempt but were granted presidential pardon after serving only one month.
It maintained that a similar act of clemency should be extended to Camilla Alhassan in the interest of fairness, justice and national cohesion.
The MRi expressed concern over what it described as the selective enforcement of the law, claiming that powerful politicians often escape punishment despite making offensive or controversial public statements.
The statement cited the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who publicly criticised a Circuit Court judge earlier this year, describing him as an “NDC judge” and saying the judge should be “ashamed of himself.”
Although the Ghana Bar Association condemned the comments as unprofessional and unethical, the Institute noted that no legal action was taken against him.
It also referred to comments made during the 2024 election campaign by Malik Basintale, then Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), regarding former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as well as remarks by former Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta Akyea.
According to the MRi, none of those incidents resulted in arrests or prosecutions, raising concerns about unequal application of the law.
The Institute warned that such perceived selective justice could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and discourage freedom of expression.
While acknowledging the need to curb irresponsible political communication and misinformation, the MRi stressed that enforcement measures should be fair, balanced and proportionate.
It urged government to strengthen the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to intensify public education on responsible political discourse and responsible use of social media.
The Institute also called on faith-based organisations, civil society organisations and political parties to promote civility and respectful public engagement.
According to the statement, political leaders must lead by example by avoiding inflammatory rhetoric capable of deepening political divisions and undermining Ghana’s democratic credentials.
The MRi further called for a national conversation on existing laws relating to offensive conduct and false publication, urging stakeholders to review legal provisions that could unduly restrict freedom of expression while maintaining public order.
It concluded by reminding citizens that although freedom of speech is a fundamental constitutional right, it must always be exercised responsibly and with respect for the rights and dignity of others.
