The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the one-year imprisonment sentence handed to TikToker Camilla Alhassan by an Accra Circuit Court, describing the decision as a threat to freedom of expression and Ghana’s democratic values.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the party expressed “deep shock, outrage and profound concern” over Madam Alhassan’s conviction for offensive conduct linked to comments she made online about President John Dramani Mahama.
The NPP argued that the imprisonment of a citizen over expressive conduct raises serious constitutional concerns regarding the right to freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution.
The party maintained that individuals, including public officials, who feel defamed have civil remedies available to them through the courts rather than criminal prosecution.
According to the NPP, the use of state institutions, including the Police, the Attorney General’s Office and the criminal justice system, to prosecute citizens over comments made against political leaders could create a chilling effect on public discourse.
The party called on civil society organisations, the Ghana Bar Association, the media, human rights advocates and the National Peace Council to speak against what it described as the criminalisation of free speech.
The NPP also urged Ghana’s international partners and the diplomatic community to pay attention to developments concerning civic freedoms and democratic rights in the country.
The party further announced that it would support efforts by Madam Alhassan and her legal team to file an immediate appeal against the conviction and sentence.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutional freedoms and urged government to protect the right of citizens to express opinions, question authority and hold leaders accountable.
The NPP cautioned against any actions that could undermine Ghana’s reputation as a democratic nation, insisting that freedom of speech remains a fundamental pillar of democracy.
