Kumasi, Ghana — September 21, 2025
A young man identified as Mustapha has reportedly lost his life following a brutal assault that stemmed from a viral video in which he insulted Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the revered Asantehene, and his ceremonial guards (abrafoɔ). The video, which mocked the monarch’s directive for an early curfew during the funeral rites of the late Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III, ignited outrage across social media and traditional circles alike.
But what began as a digital provocation has ended in tragedy-and now, Ghana finds itself at crossroads between cultural reverence and constitutional rights.
Video : Credit Jude TV
While Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of speech under Article 21(1)(a), it also protects the dignity and safety of every citizen under Article 15(1), which states: “The dignity of all persons shall be inviolable.” The Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), further criminalizes assault and homicide, regardless of motive or provocation. Legal experts warn that vigilante justice,no matter how emotionally charged,cannot be justified under Ghanaian law.
“No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” said a retired High Court judge. “Even if Mustapha’s comments were offensive, the appropriate response is lawful prosecution, not mob violence.”
The incident has sparked a firestorm of commentary online, with many Ghanaians expressing horror at the fatal consequences of speech,however disrespectful.
“What the hell? Investigation must immediately be conducted and fish out all the culprits. People must not lose their lives over being foul and disrespectful,” one user wrote.
Others pointed to historical precedent, noting that even presidents have endured public insults without retaliation.
“Even a whole president was insulted , what insult didn’t the late Mills receive in this country? This is Lawlessness,” another comment read.
Human rights advocates have also been called to task. “Where are the activists in this country? Bright Appiah and co?” one user asked, referencing the silence of prominent voices.
The Ashanti Kingdom, one of Africa’s most storied monarchies, commands deep respect across Ghana and the diaspora. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is not merely a traditional ruler, he is a symbol of unity, heritage, and ancestral pride. Yet, as Ghana modernizes, tensions between cultural reverence and democratic freedoms continue to surface.
The enstoolment of a young girl as queen mother by the Ga Traditional Council in Accra earlier this year drew similar backlash, with critics and commentators clashing over age, gender, and legitimacy. Some of those same voices now face scrutiny for their silence in the wake of Mustapha’s death.
Mustapha’s death is not just a personal tragedy,it is a national moment of reckoning. Civil society groups, legal experts, and traditional leaders must come together to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to both cultural dignity and human rights.
The Ghana Police Service has yet to issue a formal statement, but pressure is mounting for a full-scale investigation. If confirmed, the perpetrators could face charges under Section 82 (Assault) and Section 46 (Murder) of the Criminal Offences Act.
As the nation mourns, one truth remains: no one should die for speaking, and no tradition should be defended through violence.
This article is a plea for balance for reverence without repression, for tradition without tyranny, and for justice that honors both the living and the dead. May Mustapha’s story awaken our conscience and renew our commitment to a Ghana that is lawful, compassionate, and free.
Sankofaonline
