The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the conviction and sentencing of Madam Camilla Alhassan, describing the decision as a threat to freedom of expression and Ghana’s democratic credentials.
In a statement issued on July 16, 2026, and signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party expressed “deep shock, outrage and profound concern” over the Accra Circuit Court’s decision to sentence Madam Alhassan to one year in prison after she was convicted of offensive conduct in connection with comments she made online about President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the NPP, the imprisonment of a citizen over expressive conduct raises serious constitutional concerns regarding the right to freedom of speech as guaranteed under Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution.
The party argued that while legal formalities may have been followed, the case represents an erosion of civil liberties and sends a worrying signal about growing intolerance in the country.
The statement further maintained that if the President believed he had been defamed, the appropriate legal avenue should have been a civil defamation suit rather than criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
The opposition party accused the government of deploying state institutions, including the Police, the Attorney General’s Department and the courts, to suppress dissent and intimidate citizens from expressing opposing political views.
The NPP also criticised the manner in which Madam Alhassan was reportedly treated during her arrest, detention and appearance in court, describing it as “heavy-handed” and “dehumanising.” It argued that such treatment undermines public confidence in law enforcement and offends the dignity of the individual.
As part of its response, the party called on civil society organisations, the Ghana Bar Association, the media, the National Peace Council and the diplomatic community to speak against what it termed the criminalisation of free expression and to defend constitutional freedoms.
The NPP also announced that it would support every lawful effort to challenge the conviction, confirming that an immediate appeal would be pursued.
The party pledged to stand by Madam Alhassan and her legal team until all available legal remedies have been exhausted.
Concluding the statement, the NPP cautioned against what it described as a return to periods in Ghana’s history when citizens allegedly faced persecution for expressing opposing views, insisting that “free speech is not a crime” and urging the government to protect democratic principles and constitutional rights.
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has presented a GH¢10 million dividend to the Government of Ghana, marking the Authority’s return to contributing directly to the Consolidated Fund.
The cheque was presented by the NLA Board and Management to the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, with Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam leading t8he Authority’s delegation.
The payment represents the NLA’s first dividend contribution to the state since 2017, according to reports on the presentation.
Dr. Ato Forson welcomed the development but stressed that the contribution should not be treated as a symbolic gesture. He called for sustained efforts by the NLA to improve its revenue generation and deliver greater financial value to the state.
The Finance Minister further disclosed that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the NLA and the Attorney-General, is reviewing existing revenue-sharing agreements involving the Authority. According to him, the review is intended to address arrangements that may have limited the revenue accruing to government.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, NLA Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam said the dividend reflects the Authority’s renewed focus on efficiency, transparency and revenue generation.
He said the NLA would continue working to strengthen its operations and contribute meaningfully to national development through its statutory mandate.
The GH¢10 million payment is therefore being positioned as part of broader efforts to improve the NLA’s financial performance and strengthen its contribution to Ghana’s public finances.
The NLA has also urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers who may seek to exploit the Authority’s name for fraudulent activities.
GABBSO Hospital Zone Treats Dakpema Pupils and Staff to Free Haircuts
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Published: September 26, 2026
Published at: 05:11
Ghananewsnet.com
Pupils and staff of the Dakpema Primary and Junior High School were met with a pleasant surprise on Friday, September 25, 2026, as the Hospital Zone of the Ghana Association of Barbers and Barbering Salon Owners (GABBSO) rolled out a free haircut outreach at their school compound.
The community focused initiative brought smiles to the faces of over 100 students, providing them with fresh grooming free of charge.
According to leadership, the exercise forms part of the association’s broader corporate social responsibility to give back to society and support parents within the local community.
Speaking during the outreach, the Regional Secretary of GABBSO, Mr. Abu Abdulai, who also serves as the Northern Regional Secretary for Association of Small Scale Industries(ASSI) took the opportunity to champion industry unity.
He urged fellow barbers operating within the region who have yet to join the association to register, emphasizing the numerous welfare and professional benefits members stand to gain.
Mr. Abdulai also made a direct appeal to the Member of Parliament (MP) who double as Ghana Education Minister, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, calling for partnership and financial or logistical support.
He noted that with backing from the lawmaker, GABBSO can successfully scale up the initiative to reach many more schools across the constituency.
NDC Tamale Central Chairman F.K. Kanawu Supports Grassroots Mobilisation with Motorbike Donation
Details.
Published: September 24, 2026
Published at: 07:48am
By Saibu Terry
NDC Tamale Central Constituency Chairman and re-election aspirant, Farouk F.K. Kanawu, has donated a brand-new motorbike to Mr. Olu of Changli to support grassroots party organisation and mobilisation.
The donation forms part of efforts by Chairman Kanawu to provide logistical support for party activities in Changli and surrounding branches within the Tamale Central Constituency.
The motorbike is expected to facilitate movement and coordination for grassroots activities, including mobilisation, communication and engagement with party members across the area. Presenting the motorbike, Chairman Kanawu said the support was intended to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures and enhance the effectiveness of local organisers.
Mr. Olu, who received the motorbike, expressed appreciation to Chairman Kanawu for the gesture and pledged to use it for its intended purpose.
The donation comes as Chairman Kanawu seeks another term as NDC Tamale Central Constituency Chairman, with his campaign emphasising grassroots organisation, logistical support and unity within the constituency.
Supporters of the chairman have cited the donation as part of what they describe as his commitment to resourcing the party at the grassroots level.
His campaign team continues to rally supporters under the slogan “Team F.K. – The Solid Team for Victory,” alongside the message “Eyɛ Zu, Eyɛ Za – Retain & Maintain.”