Two young women from Nhyiaeso in the Ashanti Region have become the latest faces in the ongoing debate over freedom of speech and state power after th
Two young women from Nhyiaeso in the Ashanti Region have become the latest faces in the ongoing debate over freedom of speech and state power after they were detained for several days over remarks they allegedly made about President John Dramani Mahama on social media.
The women, identified as Priscilla and Charity, both in their twenties, were reportedly arrested in Kumasi by individuals believed to be national security operatives.
They were later transferred to Accra, where they were held in custody for days before being moved to the Cantonments Police Station.
Their detention has sparked a public outcry, with critics questioning the use of security agencies to silence dissent in an era where social media has become a platform for free expression, especially among the youth.
Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr. Stephen Amoah, confirmed the development in a radio interview on Atumpan, AsaasePa 107.3 FM on Monday, August 18.
While condemning the content of the young women’s TikTok video, he strongly criticised the method of their arrest and prolonged detention.
“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,” Dr. Amoah stated.
He revealed that the two girls had since apologised for their actions but insisted that detaining them under such harsh conditions amounted to “torture.”
According to him, the matter should be considered a misdemeanour and handled in accordance with due process, not treated as a high-level crime.
This incident comes against the backdrop of a growing pattern of arrests targeting individuals who openly criticise government officials and policies.
In recent months, civil society groups and opposition parties have raised concerns over what they describe as an emerging culture of intimidation aimed at suppressing dissenting voices.
Dr. Amoah has therefore called on influential stakeholders, including the Christian Council, the Office of the National Chief Imam, the Peace Council, civil society organisations, and the clergy, to intervene.
He warned that the current trend undermines democratic principles and Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of free speech in Africa.
“This is not the rule of law we envisaged,” he stressed, urging the authorities to de-escalate the matter and grant the young women their freedom.
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