A Circuit Court in Accra has sentenced a social media user, David Kwodwo Prah Afful, popularly known as Kwame Nkrumah II, to seven months in prison for issuing death threats against former President John Dramani Mahama and other government officials.
Afful was convicted on Wednesday, September 17, after pleading guilty to charges of threatening death and offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace.
His sentencing follows the circulation of a video on TikTok in which he issued chilling threats against high-profile individuals.
In the video, Afful threatened to assassinate politicians, Members of Parliament, and civil servants, claiming he would carry out the acts if he had access to a gun or cutlass.
He went further to incite the youth to commit similar acts on his behalf and threatened to set fire to marketplaces, encouraging widespread violence.
The Ghana Police Service arrested Afful at his hideout near Kasoa Market at around 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, after the video went viral.
During his court appearance, a visibly remorseful Afful pleaded for forgiveness from government officials and acknowledged his actions as irresponsible.
However, the trial judge proceeded with the sentencing.
In a statement following the arrest, the police emphasized their commitment to upholding freedom of expression but made it clear that incitement to violence, insecurity, and public disorder would not be tolerated.
Afful is not the only person to face legal consequences for issuing threats or making inciteful statements on social media. In recent months, several political activists from both major parties have been arrested for similar offenses.
In August, Prince Ofori, also known as Fanti Comedy, and Yayra Abiwu, alias AY, who is said to be the Women’s Organizer for the North Tongu Constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), were arrested for threatening to harm President Akufo-Addo and former First Lady Lordina Mahama. Both were granted bail.
Another activist, Sir-Obama Pokuase, was also arrested and later released on bail for allegedly sharing false videos and images intended to mislead the public.
In a separate case from last year, an NDC branch executive, Mohammed Ibrahim, was sentenced to four years in prison for threatening to kill President Akufo-Addo, Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa, and others on Election Day, December 7, 2024.
Ibrahim, who pleaded not guilty, was found guilty by the Circuit Court presided over by Mrs. Evelyn Asamoah.
He faced three charges: publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm, threat of harm, and offensive conduct. He was sentenced to three years for publishing false news, four years for threat of harm, and three years for offensive conduct.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
These recent cases highlight a growing concern over the abuse of digital platforms to incite violence and spread misinformation, prompting swift action from law enforcement and the judiciary to uphold public order.
