Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah Released After NPP Gurus Storm National Security, Photos Drop

• Broadcast journalist Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has been released from the custody of National Security following his arrest
• Okatakyie had been arrested on Wednesday evening, March 19, 2025, around Kingsby Hotel at Achimota for unknown reasons
• NPP leaders like Nana B who condemned the arrest on social media stormed National Security's premises to show solidarity

Renowned broadcaster Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has been released following his arrest by the National Security.

Reports went viral on social media on the evening of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, that the former Angel FM morning show host had been arrested.

Details of the arrest were sketchy but a video, which circulated on social media, suggested that Okatakyie was picked up near the Kingsby Hotel at Achimota.

The news of the former Angel FM presenter's arrest received massive condemnation from the leadership of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The party's General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua led the charge with a post describing the arrest as an attack on Ghana's democracy.

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Frimpong was joined in the condemnation by the NPP's Nation Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, who likened Okatakyie's arrest to a culture of silence.

Nana B, others secure Okatakyie Afrifa's release

Hours after his post condemning the arrest, Nana B announced that Okatakyie had been released from National Security custody.

He shared photos of himself with the journalist and other leading members of the NPP at the premises where he was detained.

In his caption, he stated that the arrest, effected after Okatakyie had written an exam, was needless.

"We have just left the premises of National Security, and it is very disappointing to say that the arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa by National Security operatives 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."

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See Nana B's announcement below:

The NPP's General Secretary also announced the release of Okatakyie with a thank-you message to the party's supporters for showing solidarity.

"Thank you, Patriots! Your solidarity today shows our unwavering commitment to freedom and democracy. Let’s stay united and keep fighting against oppressor’s rule!"

See Justin Kodua Frimpong's message below:

Apart from Nana B, NPP stalwarts like MP for Suame John Darko and MP for Weija-Gbawe Jerry Ahmed Shaibu were also present to show support.

Reactions to Okatakyie Afrifa's release after arrest

The news of Okatakyie's arrest and the posts by the NPP executives have garnered mixed reactions among social media users. While some empathised with him, others thought he deserved it.

Daniel Alitu Kasagatuo said:

"You should have the courage to tell him to stop the foolishness in the name of journalism too!"

Sheikh Alfantse Snr

"I don't blame you for taking credit for our tolerance. After all the so-called NIB was turned into an NPP annex under Akufo and is still so. The resetting is delaying la."

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SirLovelace Dadakwamekotoko Madridista said:

"What did you say when Captain Smart was arrested by your party? Even though I don’t condone the arrest of journalists but you are been hypocrite on this note! We thank God he has been released!🤗."

Nana Yaw Berchie said:

"You were warned by Ken Agyapong that if you make a mistake and NDC takes power, you will regret it. Now it has started. When we were advising you guys, you were shouting Free SHS, it is possible and so fourth. Let's see how things goes."

Amadu Abdul Jaliwu said:

"Great Bosses! You did a yeoman’s job and like you said freedom of speech can’t be stifled or curtailed by this administration, they should be prepared to arrest us all if that’s the case then."

Okatakyie Afrifa's friend speaks on his arrest

Meanwhile, a friend of Okatakyie Afrifa has gone public on the arrest of the outspoken Ghanaian broadcast journalist.

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YEN.com.gh report that Kwame Appiah Kubi said Afrifa was going home after writing his law exam when he was nabbed.

Social media users who commented on the video have shared varied opinions on the arrest of the controversial journalist.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh