Tiktoker Camilla Alhassan jailed one year over false claims about president Mahama

An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced TikTok content creator Camilla Alhassan to one year in prison after she pleaded guilty to charges of offensive conduct and publication of false news over videos she shared on social media about President John Dramani Mahama.

The 43-year-old was convicted on Thursday, July 16, following a series of TikTok videos in which she alleged, without evidence, that President Mahama had performed ritual sacrifices involving 32 cows to secure victory in the 2024 general election.

The prosecution told the court that the claims were false, unfounded and had the potential to undermine public confidence and cause harm.

Alhassan admitted to all charges brought against her before the court delivered the sentence.

Claims linked to election victory

According to prosecutors, the case arose from videos published between late June and early July, where the accused alleged that the President engaged in ritual practices to gain political power.

She further claimed that the government’s distribution of sanitary pads to victims of the June 29 floods was intended to conceal the alleged rituals.

Investigators described the allegations as completely unsubstantiated.

Court orders pregnancy test before sentencing

Before sentencing, the court had earlier remanded Alhassan into lawful custody and directed that she undergo a pregnancy test.

The directive was part of proceedings before the final sentence was delivered.

The court subsequently handed down the one-year custodial sentence after considering her guilty plea.

Growing scrutiny over social media claims

The conviction comes amid increasing concerns in Ghana over the spread of false information and defamatory claims on social media platforms.

Authorities have repeatedly warned social media users and content creators that freedom of expression does not extend to publishing false claims capable of damaging reputations or creating public disorder.

The case adds to a growing debate over the balance between free speech, online accountability and the responsibility of digital content creators in Ghana’s rapidly expanding social media space.