Popular Ghanaian YouTuber, Wode Maya, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, engaged in a banter on social media over the arrest of individuals who participated in the just-ended Democracy Hub demonstration to demand an end to the activities of illegal miners in the country.

Out of the 42 arrested protestors, some 39 who were arraigned on Tuesday have been remanded for two weeks by the Accra Circuit Court.

Displeased by the Accra Circuit Court's decision, Wode Maya in a post on Facebook requested that the arrested protestors be freed. "This is Not The Same Ghana We Know!#FreetheCitizens," he wrote.

In response, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah referenced the home country of the YouTuber's wife, Kenya- where some 270 citizens were arrested for participating in a protest against the government, indicating that the protestors should not be freed for being lawless.

"This happened in your wife's country, Kenya. The Gh protesters were arrested for taking the law into their hands and creating inconvenience for road users."

The comment did not sit well with Wode Maya, who then jabbed Mr Nkansah saying "I was definitely not expecting a wise comment from u considering your cover photo!"

Mr. Ofosu Nkansah’s cover photo features Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP's flagbearer for the 2024 elections.

Mr Nkansah in a subsequent post, interpreted Wode Maya's message as an attack against individuals who support the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

"According to Wodemaya, anybody who associates with the NPP or Bawumia brand can't be wise. NPP supporters take note."

Following the banter, Mr Nkansah decided to unfollow the YouTuber on his social media platforms.

Aftermath of Democracy hub protest

The court remanded 28 of the arrested protestors into Police custody and the remaining 11 into Prison custody. Thirty (30) of the accused persons are to reappear before the court on 8th October 2024, while 9 others are to appear before the court on 11th October 2024. The remaining suspects will be put before the court to face justice. The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General.