Journalist's arrest: Mahama receives punches on Twitter with #FreeFadiNow

Thousands of Ghanaians have taken to Twitter to venge their anger and displeasure on what they describe as the “unlawful arrest, detention and political witch hunt” of Fadi Dabboussi, who is perceived to be a supporter of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo.

Fadi Dabboussi was reportedly arrested on Friday, 23rd of September by the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) upon his arrival from Lebanon.

According to report, Fadi, who is the author of: ‘59 years of Ghana to Nowhere: The future is Now,’ a book encouraging a change of leadership in government – has been languishing in BNI custody for two days without access to his lawyer, while his home was also reportedly invaded by BNI, who carted away a large bunch of the material.

His lawyer, Hassan Tampuli confirming the development to journalists in Accra said it is disheartening because he has been denied access to his client despite all pleas to the BNI.

The arrest which many perceive to be a slap on democracy and free speech Ghana is known for - has gained popularity on Twitter with the campaign hashtag #FreeFadNow, as well as on Facebook.



In a post by Kathleen Addy on Facebook, she said: “For me, the most frightening aspect of this unfolding drama is the remarkable silence and inertia of Ghanaian media and civil society.

It seems we have forgotten where we've come from; we have blanked out the past. We refuse to recall a time when this was the norm; when journalists and citizens were thrown into dark cells and some disappeared altogether, simply because they spoke and wrote their minds. When authority broached no dissent, and those who dared to speak their minds were smacked down and swiftly dealt with.

It is therefore unfortunate and deeply ironic, that today, just a few years after Ghana achieved this feat, another citizen has been thrown in a dark cell for being a supporter of the same Nana Akuffo Addo, and a sympathiser of the very political tradition that repealed the offensive criminal libel law,” she submitted.

Find below other angry reactions of Ghanaians on Twitter over the brouhaha:

The president of Ghana told d world at UN not to force democracy on Africa, he gets home only to detain a strong critic of his #FreeFadiNow

— Mustapha Hameed (@ahmusty) September 24, 2016

'Offensive comments against the president' vrs Threats to murder and rape Supreme Court Judges. Guess who's free? #FreeFadiNow

— Saratu Baby Atta (@babyatta) September 24, 2016

Montie 3 hailed after threatening to rape & murder judges. Fadi does constructive criticism & gets detained. Rigged system! #FreeFadiNow

— Kwadwo Adu-Amankwa (@AmankwaK) September 25, 2016

The officer that ordered the return of 313 books to Fadi's house at 5.45am should also order Fadi's release. #FreeFadiNow @BBCAfrica

— Nana Addo Korie (@mr_frims) September 25, 2016

Opressors' rule under @JDMahama is so evident. FBI detains Fadi for frivilous reasons, refusing him access to his lawyer #FreeFadiNow

— Kwadwo Adu-Amankwa (@AmankwaK) September 25, 2016

Freedom of speech under attack in Ghana. @JDMahama you know political power is transit, don't exercise it arbitrarily.#FreeFadiNow

— Kaks (@gracy_birk) September 25, 2016

Aside the president being incompetent,he is intolerant.#freeFadiNow

— Obiri-Yeboah Godsgen (@Iam_Godsgeneral) September 25, 2016

Is this why Mahama said UN should give room for mistakes?#freefadiNow

— Obiri-Yeboah Godsgen (@Iam_Godsgeneral) September 25, 2016