GBA Calls For Reasonable Bail And Rights Protection For Arrested Social Media Commentators

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has demanded reasonable and proportionate bail conditions for social media commentators recently arrested by authorities, while calling for stronger protection of their constitutional rights.

Speaking at the opening of the association’s 2026/2027 Annual Conference in Ada, GBA President Mrs. Efua Ghartey urged investigative and prosecutorial bodies to respect Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution, which upholds the presumption of innocence and the right to personal liberty.

The association expressed concern over what it described as excessive bail conditions imposed on suspects, particularly TikTokers and other online commentators. Ghartey referenced a resolution passed at the GBA’s mid-year conference on June 5, 2026, which opposed disproportionate bail terms.

She announced that the GBA is considering the establishment of a Human Rights Watch Committee. The body would monitor constitutional and human rights issues, especially those affecting social commentators, and provide legal assistance where needed.

“We shall not relent on our efforts to hold statutory and governmental bodies to the constitutional standards of our country for our common good,” Mrs. Ghartey stated.

The GBA’s position comes amid growing public discussion over recent arrests of online content creators in Ghana.