Drop second prosecution of TikToker Camila Alhassan — Vicky Bright urges police 

Legal Practitioner and Social Commentator Vicky Bright has called on the Ghana Police Service to discontinue plans to prosecute TikToker Camila Alhassan on a fresh charge of false communication.

The comments follow the announcement by the law enforcement agency that Camila, who was sentenced to one year imprisonment with hard labour for offensive conduct, will face a separate charge of false communication under the Electronic Communications Act.

Camila was convicted by the Accra Circuit Court on Thursday, July 16, after pleading guilty to offensive conduct following her arrest over TikTok videos in which she allegedly made offensive remarks, false allegations and threats against President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama.

Speaking on Accra-based JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, July 27, the lawyer said even though threats against the lives of public officials cannot be tolerated, Ghana’s criminal laws must be applied carefully to protect freedom of expression.

"For me, criminal law should target demonstrable harm, not merely speech that will embarrass somebody, insult or offend those in authority," she argued.

She acknowledged that the state had a responsibility to act in cases where speech amounts to threats, particularly when it involves calls for violence against individuals, but stressed that public officials must also be prepared to endure criticism and offensive commentary.

Ms. Bright argued that politicians occupy positions where they are expected to tolerate a higher level of public scrutiny compared to private citizens.

"Politicians should accept that they have to tolerate a much higher degree of criticism, sometimes even ridicule and offensive commentary than private. You will suffer it," she asserted.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has argued that although freedom of expression is guaranteed under the Constitution, it must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.

The law enforcement agency further warned that persons who engage in unlawful conduct online would face prosecution.