Two individuals have been arrested in Ghana after a TikTok video circulated containing explicit threats against President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina. The case, which has sparked widespread outrage, reignites debate about verbal violence and the safety of public figures in the age of social media.
What began online quickly spilled into reality. In a video shared on TikTok, a woman speaking in Twi delivered death threats against the Ghanaian head of state and the First Lady. She claimed Mahama would be killed before the end of the year and went as far as promising to “behead” his wife. The remarks, already alarming in their brutality, were made worse by mocking references to victims of a recent helicopter crash, heightening public shock.
The Ghana Police Service acted swiftly after the footage went viral. Two suspects, identified as Prince Ofori and Yayra Abiwu, were taken into custody and are currently assisting investigators. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains open, with efforts underway to trace any other individuals linked to the recording and its dissemination.
While Ghana has experienced online hostility towards political leaders before, the direct targeting of the sitting president marks a particularly serious escalation. In a climate already marked by political tension and social division, the episode raises pressing concerns about the protection of institutions and the responsibility of digital platforms in monitoring harmful content.
Although officials have not yet detailed the legal proceedings awaiting the suspects, the signal is unambiguous: public threats, even those uttered from behind a smartphone, will be treated as criminal acts and pursued accordingly. This incident stands as a stark reminder that words carry weight, and the digital space is not a lawless zone.
Joseph Kabuye , Correspondent , Kampala
