Political Parties Use Social Media Arrests to Energize Supporters, Says Victor Adawudu

Prominent legal practitioner and NDC Legal Team member, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, says both major political parties in Ghana use arrests over offensive social media posts to energize their grassroots supporters. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express television show on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the lawyer argued that laws prohibiting offensive conduct should serve as legal deterrents rather than political weapons.

His expert comments follow intense public debate surrounding the recent conviction of forty three year old TikToker Camilla Alhassan. An Accra Circuit Court sentenced her to one year in prison with hard labor after she pleaded guilty to making derogatory remarks about President John Dramani Mahama online.

Victor Adawudu explained that online insults targeting national leaders have increasingly become a strategy for political loyalists seeking rapid public attention. Some social media users deliberately publish unprintable comments to provoke law enforcement officers into making high profile arrests.

When police officers arrest an activist, the entire political party machinery jumps in to defend them publicly. This predictable cycle turns minor legal infractions into major political rallies, allowing party leaders to mobilize enthusiasm among their voting bases ahead of elections.

While acknowledging public concerns about free speech, Adawudu insisted that sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Code still serve a crucial purpose. In an era dominated by rapid digital communication, having laws against offensive conduct prevents individuals from inciting public disorder or spreading dangerous defamation.

However, state prosecutors and police officers must apply these legal provisions sparingly rather than weaponizing them against political opponents. Overzealous law enforcement officers often rush to court over minor social media commentary that does not warrant criminal prosecution.

Drawing on years of active courtroom practice representing clients charged under similar laws during past administrations, Adawudu revealed that most cases rarely reach final conviction. Once courts grant bail to suspects, public interest fades and state prosecutors often let charges fizzle out gradually.

Whether Parliament should repeal laws on offensive publication ultimately depends on the collective sentiment of Ghanaian citizens. Until legislative reforms occur, social media users must exercise maturity and refrain from publishing defamatory content that invites legal prosecution.

Also Read: NPP Pledges Support for Jailed TikToker Camilla Alhassan