Bullgod’s Arrest Allegation: Akufo-Addo, Menzgold, and 5 Days in Ghana’s Jail Cells

In a candid television interview, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, known as Bullgod, a prominent Ghanaian artiste manager and entertainment commentator, made startling allegations. He claims that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo directly ordered his arrest and subsequent detention in harsh jail conditions for five days. The detention, he states, followed his critical on-air remarks about the government’s handling of the Menzgold investment scandal. This report examines his account, the political context of the Menzgold crisis, the conditions of pre-trial detention in Ghana, and the broader implications for free speech and political discourse in the country.

Introduction: A High-Profile Allegation of Political Detention

The intersection of politics, media, and the justice system in Ghana has been thrust into the spotlight following revelations from Bullgod. As a well-known figure in the country’s creative industry, his personal narrative of arrest and incarceration provides a dramatic case study. His allegations suggest a direct link between political authority and law enforcement action against a citizen for critical commentary. This article reconstructs the sequence of events as described by Bullgod, analyzes the backdrop of the Menzgold scandal that prompted his remarks, and explores the systemic issues of pre-trial detention and prison conditions his story highlights. The goal is to present a clear, verifiable, and pedagogical overview of a complex situation involving national politics, financial crime, and individual rights.

Key Points Summary

• Primary Allegation: Bullgod asserts former President Akufo-Addo ordered his arrest after a TV interview where he predicted the president would not complete his term due to the Menzgold crisis.
• Sequence of Arrest: He describes being ambushed by a police convoy with armed officers immediately after the interview, while in transit.
• Detention Timeline: Spent 3 days in BNI (Bureau of National Investigations) cells before being transferred to police custody, then 2 days in the “SWAT cells” (high-security section for violent offenders) in Accra.
• Conditions Reported: Described BNI cells as large but isolating, causing him to stay awake for 3 days out of fear. Highlighted the standard practice of prisoners relying on family/friends for food, as the state does not provide meals.
• Motivation Claimed: Firmly believes his detention was politically motivated to silence his criticism regarding the government’s response to the Menzgold investment scandal victims.
• Source: The account was given during an interview on “Changes” with Roselyn Felli on Joy Prime, a Ghanaian television station.

Background: The Menzgold Scandal and Its Political Fallout

To understand Bullgod’s allegations, one must first grasp the Menzgold scandal—a defining financial and political crisis in Ghana during the late 2010s. This context is essential for any analysis of his arrest.

The Menzgold Investment Scheme

Menzgold Ghana Limited, operated by Nana Appiah Mensah (NAM 1), was a gold trading and investment company that promised unusually high returns (up to 60% per annum) to customers who deposited gold or cash. The company’s business model was widely suspected to be a Ponzi scheme. In 2018, the Bank of Ghana revoked Menzgold’s license, citing illegal deposit-taking. This triggered a collapse, leaving hundreds of thousands of investors, often ordinary Ghanaians, unable to access their funds, leading to widespread public anger and protests.

Political Ramifications and Public Anger

The scandal became a major political issue. Critics, including opposition parties and civil society, accused the Akufo-Addo administration and regulatory bodies (like the SEC and Bank of Ghana) of failing to act decisively sooner to protect citizens. The pain of locked-up investments became a potent symbol of government failure for many. Bullgod’s on-air statement—that the president would not finish his term because of the “pain caused to victims”—tapped directly into this deep-seated public sentiment and was interpreted by authorities, in his account, as a threat.

Bullgod’s Position in Ghana’s Media Landscape

Lawrence Hanson, or Bullgod, is not a politician but a significant voice in Ghana’s entertainment industry as an artiste manager (notably for Shatta Wale) and a frequent, often provocative, commentator on radio and television. His style is direct and confrontational, which amplifies his reach but also increases his risk of clashing with powerful figures. His program on Joy FM/Prime is a notable platform, giving his political commentary a wide audience.

Analysis: Deconstructing the Allegations and Systemic Issues

Bullgod’s narrative, while a personal testimony, opens a window onto several critical themes in Ghanaian governance and society. It is crucial to separate his specific allegations from the broader, verifiable systems they touch upon.

The Chain of Command: Can a President Direct an Arrest?

Bullgod’s core claim is that the arrest was executed “as a result of Akufo-Addo.” He does not allege the president personally handcuffed him, but that the order originated from the highest office. In Ghana’s constitutional democracy, the President is the head of the executive and, by extension, the Ghana Police Service and its agencies like the BNI (now the National Intelligence Bureau, NIB). However, operational arrests are typically conducted by police on the basis of an alleged offense, often following an investigation or a complaint. For the arrest to be directly ordered by the president for a critical comment would constitute a severe abuse of executive power and a violation of constitutional protections for free speech (Article 21). Proving such a direct order is exceptionally difficult without a paper trail or whistleblower testimony. What is verifiable is that an arrest occurred following his comments; the *motive* and *ultimate chain of command* remain his allegation, which authorities have not publicly confirmed or detailed with a specific charge.

The Legal Basis: Threatening Speech vs. Free Expression

According to Bullgod, the official reason given was that he had “threatened” the president. Ghanaian law, under the Criminal Code and potentially the Cybersecurity Act, has provisions against threats. The legal test hinges on whether his statement—”he needed to pay the money before he finished his term… he go run away”—constituted a credible, imminent threat of violence or harm, or was hyperbolic political rhetoric. Legal experts often note that statements of political hyperbole, even impassioned and predicting doom, are generally protected speech unless they incite imminent lawless action or are true threats. The swiftness of the arrest (immediately post-interview) suggests authorities viewed it as a serious threat, while critics see it as criminalizing dissent. No public record of formal charges being prosecuted from this incident has been widely reported, aligning with Bullgod’s claim that “they cannot prosecute me.”

The Conditions of Pre-Trial Detention: A Glimpse into Ghana’s Prisons

Bullgod’s detailed description of his incarceration provides a first-hand account of pre-trial detention conditions, which human rights organizations have long criticized.

• BNI/NIB Cells: The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) is Ghana’s internal intelligence agency. Its holding cells are used for high-profile or security-related interrogations. Describing them as “very large” but isolating is consistent with reports of incommunicado detention in such facilities.
• The “SWAT Cells”: His transfer to what he calls the “SWAT cells” in police custody—where armed robbers, rapists, and killers are held—is a significant allegation. It suggests he was placed in the highest-security, most dangerous section, not due to the nature of his alleged offense (a speech-related threat), but presumably as a punitive or intimidating measure. This, if true, points to a misuse of classification for political or discretionary punishment.
• Feeding and Basic Needs: His statement that “the police are not responsible for feeding prisoners” is factually accurate in many Ghanaian prison contexts. Inmates rely entirely on family-provided meals or purchases from a canteen. Lack of external support leads to hunger. This is a well-documented systemic shortcoming in the prison service’s resources.
• Psychological Impact: His fear and decision to stay awake for three days in the BNI cell underscore the psychological pressure of uncertain, politically-charged detention. The fear of “anything happening at night” reflects a perceived vulnerability and lack of guaranteed safety.

The Role of Media and Public Discourse

This incident occurred on a media platform and was amplified by social media. It becomes a meta-incident about media freedom. The arrest of a media commentator for their on-air views, regardless of the legality of the arrest, sends a chilling effect. It raises the question: where is the line between legitimate restriction of threatening speech and the suppression of critical political commentary? The public and media reaction to Bullgod’s story is itself a measure of Ghana’s democratic resilience.

Practical Advice: For Journalists, Commentators, and Activists in Ghana

Based on the implications of this case, here is crucial advice for media professionals and public figures in Ghana:

Understanding Legal Boundaries and Risks

• Know the Laws: Be familiar with the Criminal Code (sections on threatening behavior), the Cybersecurity Act (on harmful communications), and libel/defamation laws. Distinguish between strong criticism, satire, and statements that could be construed as true threats.
• Document Everything: After a contentious broadcast, keep records (recordings, transcripts, social media posts). Have legal counsel review potentially inflammatory statements in advance if a high-risk topic is anticipated.
• Institutional Support: Utilize press freedom bodies like the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). They can provide legal support, public advocacy, and a collective voice against harassment.

If Facing Arrest or Detention

• Remain Calm and Assert Rights: Politely ask for the reason for arrest. Demand to see any warrant. Note the names and badge numbers of arresting officers.
• Communication: Immediately inform a lawyer and family. In the BNI/NIB context, this may be delayed, but insist on the right to counsel.
• Health and Safety: As Bullgod noted, food is not provided. Ensure family knows to bring supplies. Be aware of cell dynamics; avoid confrontations. Document any mistreatment or unusual placement (like in high-security cells for a non-violent offense) for later legal action.
• Post-Release Strategy: Upon release, seek medical check-up. With legal counsel, consider filing a complaint for unlawful detention or mistreatment with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) or pursuing civil action.

For Media Outlets and Platforms

• Editorial Independence: Have clear, written policies protecting journalistic commentary from political interference. Ensure legal review processes for high-risk content are robust but not censorial.
• Rapid Response Protocol: Have a plan for if a staff member is arrested. This includes legal engagement, public statements, and support for the family.
• Archive Public Interest Content: Securely archive interviews and reports on sensitive issues like Menzgold to maintain a historical record against attempts at erasure or distortion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Bullgod?

Bullgod is the popular name of Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, a Ghanaian artiste manager (music industry executive) and entertainment commentator known for his fiery opinions on radio and television. He manages artists like Shatta Wale and hosts shows on Joy FM/Prime.

What is the Menzgold scandal?

Menzgold was a gold trading company that operated an illegal deposit-taking scheme, promising high returns. Its collapse in 2018 after regulatory action left hundreds of thousands of investors unable to retrieve their funds, causing massive public hardship and becoming a major political scandal.

Who is Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo?

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is a Ghanaian lawyer and politician who served as the President of Ghana from January 2017 to January 2025. He was the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

What exactly did Bullgod say that led to his arrest?

During a TV interview on Joy Prime’s “Changes” with Roselyn Felli, Bullgod stated that due to the pain caused to Menzgold victims, President Akufo-Addo would not complete his term and would “run away.” He explicitly linked the president’s political fate to resolving the financial crisis.

What are BNI cells? What are “SWAT cells”?

BNI: The Bureau of National Investigations (now National Intelligence Bureau – NIB) is Ghana’s main domestic intelligence agency. Its cells are used for interrogations, often in security-related cases. SWAT Cells: Bullgod uses this term to describe the maximum-security section within the regular police custody (likely at the Regional Police Headquarters in Accra) where high-risk inmates like armed robbers and murder suspects are held pre-trial.

Was Bullgod formally charged?

According to Bullgod’s account, after the interrogation period, authorities determined they “cannot prosecute” him, leading to his release. There is no widely available public record of formal, concluded court charges stemming from this specific arrest and five-day detention.

What does Ghanaian law say about threatening the President?

Ghana’s laws, including the Criminal Code, have provisions against threats to life or property, which can apply to threats against state officials, including the president. The key legal question is whether speech constitutes a “true threat” (which is not protected) versus political hyperbole (which is generally protected). Context and intent are critically