Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to exercise the presidential prerogative of mercy and pardon a jailed content creator, arguing that compassion should prevail in the case.
Cudjoe’s appeal follows the conviction and sentencing of TikToker Camilla Alhassan, who was handed a custodial sentence after being found guilty of publishing false information about President Mahama. The case has sparked widespread public debate over the balance between combating misinformation and protecting freedom of expression.
In his appeal, Cudjoe acknowledged the importance of enforcing the law but urged the President to demonstrate mercy, suggesting that a pardon would reflect leadership guided by compassion rather than retribution. He argued that while misinformation should not be condoned, imprisonment may not always be the most appropriate response in such cases.
The IMANI president’s comments have generated mixed reactions. Some Ghanaians have supported his call, saying clemency would promote national reconciliation and offer the content creator a second chance. Others insist that the court’s decision should be respected and that the sentence serves as a deterrent against the deliberate spread of false information.
Under Ghana’s Constitution, the President has the authority to grant pardons or reduce sentences after consulting the appropriate constitutional bodies. However, there has been no indication from the Presidency that such action is being considered in this case.
The case continues to fuel discussions about responsible use of social media, freedom of speech and the legal consequences of publishing false information in the digital age.
