On Wednesday, August 13, 2025 two well-known social media figures, Yayra Abiwu, popularly known on TikTok as AY and Prince Ofori, also known as Fante Comedy, were arrested by the Ghana Police Service for allegedly verbally abusing President John Dramani Mahama and issuing death threats against him and his family.
The arrests stem from a viral TikTok live video in which the two were heard making abusive remarks and threatening the lives of the President and the First Lady.
According to the statement from the police, the suspects were held in their custody to assist in investigations and subsequently arraigned before court. The accused were charged with publication of false news with the intent to cause fear and panic to the public. As at the time the paper was going to bed, the accused remain in custody, despite being granted bail.
Authorities also confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals believed to be connected to the video. The police have pledged to ensure that all persons involved in this incident face the full rigours of the law.
The swift arrest of Yayra Abiwu and Prince Ofori by the Ghana Police Service is commendable. It sends a strong signal that the abuse of free speech especially when it escalates into threats against the life of a sitting President and his family will not be tolerated.
Far too often, individuals hide behind the guise of “freedom of expression” to make reckless, harmful and inflammatory statements against national leaders. This incident is a stark reminder that rights come with responsibilities.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time such conduct has occurred. Over the years, we have seen a disturbing trend where some citizens, emboldened by social media, feel entitled to insult, defame, or threaten leaders without consequence. The sad reality is that, in previous cases, certain individuals, especially those with political influence walked free. This selective application of the law undermines public trust and encourages further misconduct.
Now that the police have taken this bold step, they must remain consistent. No matter a person’s political affiliation, social standing or popularity, anyone who breaks the law must be held accountable.
As a nation, we must also reflect on the damage caused by such reckless speech. Insulting or threatening leaders does not contribute to national progress, it only breeds division and, in extreme cases, violence.
Social media should be a space for dialogue, education and innovation, not a breeding ground for hostility. While democracy thrives on diverse opinions, it cannot survive in an environment where public discourse is replaced with vulgarity and threats. Respect for authority is not blind loyalty – it is a recognition that peace and order require civility.
This development should serve as a warning to social media commentators who believe social media popularity grants them immunity from the law.
This is the time to prove that Ghana is governed by the rule of law, not political convenience. Let this be the start of a new era where leaders are criticised constructively, where free speech is exercised responsibly and where no one, regardless of who is in power, is above the law.
