An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Mohammed Ibrahim, an NDC branch organizer and self-proclaimed revolutionary leader, to four years in prison for inciting violence and spreading false information.
The judgment, delivered by Her Honour Evelyn E. Asamoah on November 29, 2024, addressed Ibrahim’s inflammatory social media posts, which accused security agencies of misconduct and made threats against a government official.
Charges and Sentencing
Ibrahim, who identifies himself as the leader of a revolutionary group called Kanawu (translated as “Speak and Die”), faced three charges:
On count one, Publication of False News with Intent to Cause Fear and Alarm to the Public – Sentenced to three years imprisonment under Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
On count two, Threat of Harm – Sentenced to four years imprisonment under Section 74 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
On count three, Offensive Conduct Conducive to Breach of Peace – Sentenced to three years imprisonment under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The sentences are to run concurrently, resulting in a total of four years in prison.
Case Background
On September 3, 2024, Ibrahim posted a video on social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, making unsubstantiated allegations against Ghana’s security services.
Wearing a red military-style beret, Ibrahim accused the Police Service in the Ashanti Region of recruiting “fake police personnel” to kill citizens during the upcoming December 7, 2024, General Elections.
He further threatened violence and claimed to know the residential address of the Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, vowing to target him in the event of war.
The video quickly caught the attention of the Ghana Police Service, which issued a wanted notice for Ibrahim.
On September 10, 2024, he was arrested at his residence in Sowutuom, where police recovered the red beret used in the video.
Trial Details
During the trial, which began on September 13, 2024, the prosecution, led by Superintendent Yirenkyi, presented three witnesses and tendered 10 exhibits, including the viral video and the red beret.
Ibrahim initially pleaded not guilty to all charges but admitted during police interrogation that he recorded the video.
His counsel, Francis-Xavier Sosu, requested an expedited hearing, which was granted.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Evelyn E. Asamoah emphasized the gravity of Ibrahim’s actions, noting that his statements had the potential to incite public unrest and endanger lives.
The court’s decision aims to serve as a deterrent to individuals who seek to exploit social media for reckless and harmful purposes.
The case highlights the growing concern over the misuse of social media to spread false information and incite violence, particularly as Ghana approaches its general elections.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order during the election period.
The sentence also underscores the judiciary’s stance on ensuring accountability for individuals whose actions threaten national security and public peace.
