In recent days, the name of Gifty Oware-Mensah has been unjustly dragged through the mud over allegations of embezzlement at the National Service Scheme (NSS). However, as a concerned citizen and someone who values fairness and justice, I, Samuel Kwame Boadu, find it imperative to set the record straight.
Witch-Hunting Without Evidence
It is quite unfortunate that in Ghana, allegations often turn into public convictions without due process. According to Samuel Kwame Boadu, Gifty Oware-Mensah was not the Executive Director of NSS; she served as the Deputy Executive Director in charge of Finance and Administration. The NSS had an Executive Director, and as a structured institution, there were multiple authorities involved in decision-making. He feels it is disheartening that certain political interests and social media commentators have chosen to single her out without evidence.
Under Ghanaian law, Article 19(2)(c) of the 1992 Constitution states that “a person charged with a criminal offense shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.” This principle is a fundamental pillar of our democracy, yet Gifty Oware-Mensah has been subjected to intense media trial without any legal proof of wrongdoing. Such actions undermine the very foundations of justice and human rights in Ghana.
Social Media Defamation and Cyberbullying
“In today’s digital age, social media has become a tool for misinformation, defamation, and cyberbullying. In the case of Gifty Oware-Mensah, this has gone beyond criticism to outright attacks on her integrity and person, ” Samuel Kwame Boadu added
It is dangerous to allow narratives driven by assumptions and hearsay to dictate public perception. If anyone has proof of financial mismanagement, let them follow due legal procedures rather than resorting to online witch-hunting. The Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) criminalizes defamation, cyberbullying, and the dissemination of false information. Those spreading false accusations should be reminded that the law exists to protect individuals from such unwarranted attacks.
Gifty Oware-Mensah Did Not Flee Ghana
Another misconception being peddled is that she has fled the country to escape justice. Samuel Kwame Boadu also feels this is completely false. The reality is that she has left Ghana for her own safety due to the intense cyberbullying and threats that have been directed at her.
“Would any rational person stay in an environment where their life is at risk due to false narratives?” Samuel Kwame Boadu asked. “If invited by the appropriate authorities, I do not believe she would refuse to cooperate. Leaving the country for safety is not an admission of guilt but rather a rational decision in the face of growing hostility.” Samuel added
The Need for Stronger Laws Against Fake Journalism
“Ghana’s media landscape has grown but so has the spread of lazy journalism—where individuals fail to fact-check before publishing damaging stories. Journalism is about reporting facts, not fueling baseless allegations.” Samuel said.
“The National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) must take a stand against this type of reporting. We need stricter enforcement of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which criminalizes the publication of false information that harms individuals. Ghana must build a responsible media culture where journalists are held accountable for peddling misinformation.” he beseeched.
Samuel Kwame Boadu’s Opinion
Gifty Oware-Mensah’s situation is a reflection of the dangers of trial by social media, politically motivated attacks, and cyberbullying. We must ask ourselves: Are we allowing mob justice to replace due process? Are we sacrificing the principles of fairness for political point-scoring?
Ghana must do better. We need a legal system that protects individuals from reckless accusations and ensures that justice is served based on facts, not public sentiment. Let us not allow false narratives to destroy lives. If there are genuine concerns, let them be addressed through the appropriate legal channels. Until then, Gifty Oware-Mensah remains innocent until proven guilty.
Source: SKB Journal
