TikToker Gets One-Year Jail Term for False Social Media Posts on Ghana's President

A court in Ghana has sentenced a TikTok content creator to one year in prison after finding her guilty of spreading false information about President John Mahama. The woman, identified as 43-year-old Camilla Alhassan, admitted to publishing videos on TikTok alleging that President Mahama performed ritual sacrifices involving 32 cows to secure victory in the 2024 presidential election. She also claimed, without evidence, that the government's distribution of sanitary pads to flood victims was intended to conceal the alleged act. The court convicted her on charges relating to offensive conduct and the publication of false information. Despite seeking a lighter sentence, the court ruled that a custodial term was appropriate, stating that it would serve as a deterrent against the growing spread of misinformation on social media. Prosecutors told the court that the videos, which were widely circulated online, contained defamatory and unsubstantiated allegations against the president. Alhassan reportedly has more than 70,000 followers on TikTok. The case has renewed public debate in Ghana over the balance between protecting freedom of expression and addressing the increasing spread of false information online. It is not the first time a Ghanaian social media personality has faced legal consequences over online content. In 2025, another TikToker received a seven-month prison sentence after being convicted of making threats against President Mahama and lawmakers in a viral video. The Ghanaian government has consistently warned against the circulation of false information, hate speech and content capable of inciting fear or public disorder. Authorities are also considering new legislation aimed at strengthening efforts to combat misinformation while safeguarding constitutional rights to free expression.

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