Two TikTokers caged over abusive comments against President Mahama

The Adenta Circuit Court has remanded two young women into police custody for allegedly making offensive remarks about President John Dramani Mahama during a live-streamed discussion on TikTok, sparking national debate about freedom of expression and respect for public office.

The presiding judge, Angela Attachie, made the decision after prosecutors, led by Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo, presented charges against the two accused persons — Priscilla Duah Birago, a 29-year-old National Service Person, and Charity Dede Tetteh, also 29, a beautician.

Charges and Allegations

The two women face two counts:

1. Conspiracy to Commit Crime, to wit: Offensive Conduct Conducive to Breaches of the Peace, contrary to Section 23(1) and 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

2. Offensive Conduct Conducive to Breaches of the Peace, contrary to Section 207 of the same Act.

According to the prosecution, on August 6, 2025, the accused hosted a live discussion on TikTok, during which they allegedly made offensive and abusive remarks targeted at President Mahama.

In the viral video, the two women were heard saying they “would have been happier if the President, John Dramani Mahama, was involved in the helicopter crash and dwarfs had eaten him up,” further alleging that “a lot of people are dying under his tenure of office,” among other derogatory statements.

Evidence and Arrest

The video, which was later shared by Priscilla Birago on her TikTok account under the name “Abena Birago”, quickly gained attention online.

Law enforcement authorities acted on the matter, securing a forensic capture of the live stream as evidence.

The accused were subsequently arrested and detained for investigations. They were later arraigned before the Circuit Court at Adenta.

Court Proceedings

During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the comments were not only abusive but also posed a potential risk of provoking public disorder, hence the decision to charge them under laws relating to breaches of the peace.

The court, presided over by Judge Attachie, did not take their pleas as investigations are still ongoing. Both accused persons have been remanded into custody until September 2, 2025.

Background Context

This case comes at a sensitive time in Ghana’s political climate. Just two weeks ago, the country was rocked by the tragic helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuomm in the Ashanti region, which claimed the lives of three Ghana Air Force personnel.

The incident has sparked public mourning, and comments perceived to trivialize or politicize the tragedy have been widely condemned.

Next Steps

The two women remain in custody as police continue investigations. The court is expected to hear further updates when the case resumes on September 2, 2025.