Police explain circumstances behind TikToker Camila Alhassan's one-year sentence

The Ghana Police Service has explained the events that led to the conviction and sentencing of 43-year-old TikToker Camila Alhassan, who was jailed for one year with hard labour after being found guilty of offensive conduct.

In a statement, the Police said the Accra Circuit Court imposed the sentence on July 16, 2026, following her conviction on the charge.

According to the Service, Camila Alhassan was arrested on July 9, 2026, after an intelligence-led operation linked her to a TikTok video in which she allegedly made offensive, insulting and derogatory comments about President John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama.

The Police said the video also contained alleged threats against the lives of the President and the First Lady, as well as false claims concerning the President's private life.

The statement noted that the content was considered capable of disturbing public peace and undermining national cohesion.

Following investigations, Camila Alhassan was charged with offensive conduct and false communication before being arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court.

While the court found her guilty of offensive conduct, sentencing was initially postponed after she informed the court that she was pregnant.

According to the Police, a subsequent medical examination conducted at the Police Hospital established that she was not pregnant, paving the way for the court to proceed with sentencing.

The court subsequently sentenced her to one year imprisonment with hard labour.

The Ghana Police Service further disclosed that it is taking steps to arraign the convict before the High Court on a separate charge of false communication under the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

The Service reiterated its commitment to protecting freedom of expression but cautioned against the misuse of social media to spread falsehoods, publish insults or issue threats against individuals, particularly public office holders.

The case has since generated widespread public discussion on the balance between freedom of expression and responsible use of social media in Ghana.