The Media Research Institute (MRI) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to pardon TikToker Camilla Alhassan, saying her one-year jail term is too harsh.

An Accra Circuit Court on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, sentenced the 43-year-old to one year imprisonment with hard labour after pleading guilty to engaging in offensive conduct and the publication of false news.

The charges relate to a TikTok video in which she made abusive remarks and false allegations against President Mahama and First Lady Mrs. Lordina Mahama.

In a press statement signed by the MRI Executive Director, Dr. Daniel Nkrumah, said while Camilla's comments were "despicable”, the sentence was "tantamount to killing an ant with a sledgehammer”.

The Institute wants the President to exercise his prerogative of mercy just as was done in the 2016 “Montie Three” case. 

The three contemnors were sentenced to four months by the Supreme Court but were pardoned after serving one month.

MRI also accused State institutions of selective justice. 

It cited recent comments by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin against a judge and remarks by Malik Basintale and Atta Akyea in 2024, saying no arrests or prosecutions followed.

"The incarceration of Camilla emphasises the selective application of the law; justice for an unguarded woman while the powerful walk free," the statement said.

MRI warned that the sentence sets a dangerous precedent for free speech. 

It urged the government to resource the NCCE for civic education and called on FBOs and CSOs to promote decent political communication.

The group also urged Ghanaians to be decent on social media, and asked political leaders to lead by example and avoid incendiary language.

Police say Camilla still faces a separate charge of “False Communication under the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775)”  at the High Court.