Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah was detained by the NIB
The National Security has become a prominent topic on social media following a raid at the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Ernest Addison and the 'arrest' of broadcast journalist Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah.
On March 19, 2025, reports emerged of a raid on the Roman Ridge residence of Ernest Addison, led by 20 armed men under the command of Richard Jakpa, the Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat.
According to the reports, Dr Addison was at home when the heavily armed individuals, some wearing balaclavas and carrying AK-47 semi-automatic rifles, arrived to conduct a search.
They proceeded to disable all CCTV cameras at his residence, reportedly demanding him to lead them to the ‘vaults’ in his house.
Subsequently, the arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah has raised concerns among some netizens about the perceived rise in state-sponsored threats against press freedom.
Some critics have raised questions about the National Security’s rationale for the arrest of the media personality, while others have suggested that the actions may be justified, pointing to the potential need to address misinformation and disinformation spread by individuals.
Other critics have also suggested that misleading information spread by certain individuals against the government could pose a threat to national security, offering further support for the arrests.
National Security has also faced significant criticism for targeting individuals who are seen as inconsequential in the larger context, with critics arguing that these perceived unnecessary arrests elevate them into figures of importance.
Meanwhile, Afrifa-Mensah has been released from custody, and it has been reported that Dr. Addison is safe, although he was reportedly fuzzled by the incident.
Read posts under the trending topics below:
What is John Mahama afraid of? Why is he doing everything in his power to intimidate and silence journalists and vocal citizens using National security?
Free Okatakyie Afrifa now!
— Fiifi Sage (@_Fiifi_Sage) March 19, 2025
For the record, Afrifa has been picked up by National Security I guess for being brazen with speaking Truth to Power!
— Akosua Manu (@KozieOzie) March 19, 2025
National Security should detain anyone who expresses a threat to the nation for questioning. 🫱🏾🫲🏾
— EL-DAD (@ChristDeKing) March 19, 2025
For years, we endured Kevin Taylor and Captain Smart. They spread numerous lies about innocent NPP members and incited violence against us. Yet, here we are—less than three months into this administration and they are already sending National Security after journalists who dare… pic.twitter.com/JGXJIZi6OO
— Abdul Rauf Ibrahim (@AbdulRaufIbra20) March 19, 2025
The Afrifa guy was inciting tribal hatred on his show. Trying to incite Akans against other ethnic groups. The National Security has every right to arrest such a tribal bigot.
— Awakened Conscience 💡 (@musqoo_official) March 20, 2025
Our national security setup, regardless of the party in power, has a stupid penchant for making unnecessary heros in this country. https://t.co/GfZQeTHu41
— Sewing Machine 🇬🇭 🇳🇬 (@BTLizle) March 20, 2025
The National Security should handle cases of suspected misappropriation of state property in a fair and democratic manner.
— EL-DAD (@ChristDeKing) March 20, 2025
An approach based on impunity is unacceptable. Instead of using aggressive tactics, they could have invited the Governor of the Bank of Ghana for…
national security should use the same men and approach to fight Galamsey.
— EL-DAD (@ChristDeKing) March 20, 2025
Also, watch video of Anas in US court with Kennedy Agyapong without his usual mask