Outspoken media personality, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has been released from National Security custody after he was arrested on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
His release comes on the back of immense criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and advocates and press freedom and human rights, who labelled his arrest as contrary to the tenets of a democratic dispensation.
Afrifa Mensah, host of the online show “FOR THE RECORDS”, which focuses on national issues and a myriad of other matters was reportedly picked up, prompting widespread outrage.
The NPP described the arrest as a direct attack on democracy and press freedom, with General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua demanding his immediate release.
“The arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah by the NDC government is a dangerous attack on democracy and freedom of speech! Ghana must not descend into tyranny,” Kodua stated.
Minority Leader and Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin also weighed in, urging the government to respect dissenting voices.
“It started with Abronye. Now it’s Okatakyie Afrifa. The NDC government must be tolerant. Using State Security to intimidate opponents is not good for our democracy!” he warned.
After mounting public pressure and an online campaign demanding his release, Afrifa Mensah was freed later that evening.
Confirming the release, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye criticized the arrest, calling it unwarranted and unnecessary.
“We have just left the premises of National Security, and it is very disappointing to say that the arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa after his exams this evening was completely unnecessary and unwarranted. Thanks to the efforts of several individuals who intervened, he has been released. Free speech cannot be suppressed under the guise of an investigation. If that is the case, then National Security should be prepared to arrest all of us,” Boakye posted on Facebook.
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