Exercise your rights to freedom of expression responsibly and lawfully — Police advises public

The Ghana Police Service has urged Ghanaians to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of expression responsibly and within the limits of the law.

The caution was issued following the conviction of TikToker Camila Alhassan for offensive conduct.

The 43-year-old was sentenced by an Accra Circuit Court to one year imprisonment with hard labour over offensive and abusive social media content targeting President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama.

In a press release issued on Friday, July 17, the Police cautioned that anyone who uses social media for criminal conduct will face the full rigours of the law.

"The Ghana Police Service reminds the public that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, that right must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law," the statement said.

"The Service reiterates that social media is not a platform for spreading falsehoods, making threats, or publishing unlawful content, and warns that anyone who engages in criminal conduct online will face the full rigours of the law," the Police cautioned.

Camila was arrested on July 9 through an intelligence-led operation after officers intercepted a TikTok video in which she allegedly made offensive, insulting and derogatory remarks against the President and the First Lady, including threats against their lives and false allegations concerning the President's private life.

The statement said she was subsequently charged with offensive conduct and false communication and put before the Accra Circuit Court.

Although sentencing was initially delayed after she claimed to be pregnant, a medical examination at the Police Hospital confirmed that she was not pregnant, after which the court sentenced her on July 16.

The Police further stated that it is taking steps to prosecute Camila before a High Court on the separate charge of false communication under the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).