Media personality Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has been freed after spending hours in the custody of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), following his arrest on Wednesday, March 19.

His detention sparked widespread criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and advocates for media freedom.

Afrifa Mensah, known for hosting the social media show “FOR THE RECORDS,” was reportedly picked up by security operatives, triggering a strong backlash from opposition leaders and press freedom activists.

The NPP condemned the arrest, describing it as an assault on democratic principles and press liberties. Party General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua issued a scathing rebuke, demanding his immediate release.

“The arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah by the NDC government is a dangerous attack on democracy and freedom of speech! Ghana must not descend into tyranny,” Kodua declared.

Effutu MP and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also weighed in on the issue, criticizing the government’s approach toward dissenting voices.

“It started with Abronye. Now it’s Okatakyie Afrifa. The NDC government must be tolerant. Using State Security to intimidate opponents is not good for our democracy!” he warned.

Amid mounting public outcry and a growing online campaign demanding his freedom, Afrifa Mensah was eventually released later that evening.

Confirming his release, NPP National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye denounced the arrest as unjustified and excessive.

“We have just left the premises of National Security, and it is very disappointing to say that the arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa 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,” Boakye stated in a Facebook post.

Afrifa Mensah’s detention and subsequent release have reignited discussions about press freedom and the role of security agencies in handling dissenting opinions.