Anti-Mahama comments: court remands Nhyiaeso TikTok girls despite 96-hour custody
An Accra court has remanded two young women from Nhyiaeso into police custody after prosecutors said investigations into their case were not yet complete.
The pair were arrested last Friday at the Ashanti Region town, for allegedly making critical comments about President John Dramani Mahama on social media platform TikTok.
Detention unlawful
Defence lawyer Enoch Afoakwah argued that the detention was unlawful, noting the women had already spent more than 96 hours in custody before being presented in court.
“Our clients’ detention beyond the 48-hour constitutional limit is unlawful. Yet the court has given its blessings to this without taking their pleas or considering their health conditions,” Mr Afoakwah told reporters.
The court, however, granted the prosecution’s request for continued remand, saying further investigations were necessary.
MP fumes
Their Member of Parliament, Stephen Amoah first confirmed the incident in an interview on Atumpan on AsaasePa 107.3 FM on Monday (18 August).
He has condemned the action, describing the treatment as “unacceptable” and a threat to the rule of law.
“I detest unsavoury social media comments and I am for punitive actions for such. But to abduct young girls, move them across regions and keep them in custody for days as if they have committed a coup, that is unacceptable,” Amoah said.
A case of torture
He noted that the women had since apologised for their remarks, but said detaining them in this manner amounted to “torture.”
The arrest adds to the similar actions unleashed on opposing voices recently.
The lawmaker urged the Christian Council, the Chief Imam, the Peace Council, civil society organisations and the clergy to intervene, insisting the matter should be treated as a misdemeanour rather than a criminal offence.
“This is not the rule of law we envisaged,” he said.
The case has been adjourned to 2 September as defence counsel plans to seek redress at the high court.
