NPP activist only meant well for Vice President in Facebook post-MP

Weija-Gbawe MP Jerry Ahmed Shaib has defended activist Mohammed Zakou. Zakou, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was arrested for a Facebook post. He posted a photo of Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on April 4, 2025. The caption read, “Rest well, Your Excellency,” with crying emojis.

This post caused public outrage. Many thought it implied that the Vice President had died. The incident followed a government statement about her health. She was receiving medical care at the University of Ghana Medical Centre after falling ill on March 28, 2025. The statement also mentioned she would seek further treatment abroad.

MP Shaib argued that Zakou’s post was misunderstood and not meant to harm. He said Zakou simply wanted the Vice President to rest after a tough campaign. “He sees her as a mother who needs rest,” Shaib explained.

Shaib criticized security services for unlawfully detaining Zakou for over 48 hours. He questioned if someone should be held for saying “rest in peace.”

Zakou appeared in court on April 14, 2025, and received bail set at GH₵100,000 with two sureties. He must report weekly to the investigating officer as part of his bail conditions. The case is adjourned until May 12, 2025, for a management conference.

Shaib spoke in support of Zakou during an interview on Oyerepa FM on Tuesday.