President Mahama’s past defence of free speech contradicts his government’s actions - NPP

Lawyer and New Patriotic Party (NPP) legal team member Ishaq Ibrahim has accused President John Dramani Mahama of hypocrisy over his position on freedom of expression, as controversy grows over the arrest and detention of a senior nurse linked by police to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.

Speaking on The Forum on Asaase Radio on Saturday (19 September), Ibrahim said Mahama had previously criticised restrictions on free speech while in opposition but was now presiding over a government facing criticism over the arrest of citizens in connection with their online activities.

He said citizens should be allowed to express their views in a democracy, while stressing that his argument did not extend to people who threaten to kill others.

“Democracy is a marketplace of ideas,” Ibrahim said, arguing that executive powers must be exercised alongside constitutional protections for citizens.