Minority Leader Condemns Arrest of Journalist Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah

Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, host of the popular social media show FOR THE RECORDS, was reportedly picked up by security operatives on Wednesday, March 19, in what critics have described as an attempt to suppress dissent.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, took to Facebook to express his strong opposition to the arrest, accusing the government of using state security to intimidate political opponents.

“It started with Abronye. Now it’s Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah. The NDC government must be tolerant! Using State Security to intimidate opponents is not good for our democracy! Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah must be released now!” he wrote.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) also condemned the arrest, describing it as a direct attack on democracy and press freedom. NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua issued a statement demanding Afrifa Mensah’s 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.

Beyond the political arena, the arrest has drawn criticism from civil society groups. Private legal practitioner and Fix The Country Movement Convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, demanded an explanation for Afrifa Mensah’s arrest, questioning the government’s commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms.

As public outcry intensified, an online campaign was launched, calling for his immediate release.

Following mounting pressure, Afrifa Mensah was released later that evening. NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye confirmed his release and criticized the manner in which the arrest was carried out.

“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,” he stated.