Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah Reportedly Arrested By Police Days After National Security Pick Up

• Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, the former host of Angel FM's morning show, has reportedly been arrested by police
• The For The Records show host is said to have been arrested by the Cyber Crime Unit on Tuesday, March 25, 2025
• News of Okatakyie's latest arrest, which went viral on social media, started a campaign to have him released

The Cyber Crime Unit of the Ghana Police Service has reportedly arrested Ghanaian broadcaster Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah.

The former Angel FM morning show host is reported to have been arrested on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Details are still unclear, but Asaase Radio reported that the Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Moses Abor, had confirmed the arrest.

The post regarding Okatakyie's alleged arrest is included below:

It is not known why the controversial broadcaster was arrested, but it is worth noting that he has been a strong critic of the John Mahama government since the NDC took power in January.

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Recently, Okatakyie indicated that he was gearing up to lead a protest dubbed the 'Stop Galamsey Demo' against the government's handling of the illegal mining problem - aka galamsey.

See Okatakyie's post below:

Okatakyie Afrifa's second arrest in one week

The reported arrest of Okatakyie on Tuesday would be the second time he had been picked up by security personnel in the pace of a week.

It will be recalled that the For The Records podcast host was arrested by operatives of the National Security Agency on March 19, 2025.

He was reportedly picked up around the Kingsby Hotel at Achimota when he was returning from GIMPA after writing an exam.

Following the news, the NPP's General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong and National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, aka Nana B, took to social media to condemn Okatakyie's arrest and rally social media support to get him freed.

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Okatakyie Afrifa hints at upcoming #StopGalamsey protest: "We must save Ghana"

Hours after the arrest, Nana B announced that Okatakyie had been released, sharing photos online.

Ghanaians react to Okatakyie's alleged second arrest

The news of Okatakyie's arrest triggered many reactions online. A social media campaign to get him freed has already started, with many posting images to show solidarity.

@KGoodNews_ felt the arrest was against Ghana's constitution:

"Ghana’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including press freedom. Okatakyie expressing concerns about galamsey and other happenings in the country —a major economic issue—his detention is seen as an attack on these rights."

@yabbanx linked the arrest to Okatakyie's upcoming galamsey demo:

"Okatakyie announced an upcoming Galamsey demonstration, and suddenly, he was picked up with his phone seized. This is the second independence!!!"

@50Benito62977 described Okatakyie as a strong character:

"I see, Okatakyie, I know you are a strong guy, the primitive guys, that's what the NDC want to put fear in you to stop your show. I know Okatakyie very well; unless he is dead, no fool can intimidate Okatakyie. If u think he will back off, then NDC fools u are joking."

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GoodNews accused the government of silencing critics:

"Okatakyie baako arrest bɛbereee...Criticism of government policies and officials is a fundamental part of democracy, and silencing voices through arrests can create a chilling effect on public discourse. JM administration; 1 Day 1 Arrest ."

@CitizenKojo8 thought media freedom was under attack and blamed the president:

"Media freedom is under attack in Ghana. President Mahama is harassing and arresting media personnels who are not singing praises of his government. Currently, a renowned journalist by name Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah has been arrested and determined by the cyber security of GPS."

@CaselyHerman chided the government:

"You shamelessly escorted a fugitive of the law, Ama Taylor and gave him protection throughout his return to Ghana. But it's innocuous Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah that you want to intimidate and stifle his inherent rights? Cowards leading affairs of the state."

Okatakyie's friend speaks on first arrest

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a friend of Okatakyie had gone public on the first arrest of the outspoken broadcast journalist.

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Kwame Appiah Kubi said that they were going home after writing a law exam when he was apprehended by National Security.

Social media users who commented on the video of Kubi's explanation have shared varied opinions on the arrest of Okatakyie.

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

Source: YEN.com.gh