Weija-Gbawe MP refutes death rumours amid Zakou's controversy about Vice President

Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, has denied rumors of his death. These rumors started after social media posts showed his photos with the message "Rest Well" and crying emojis.

In an interview on April 16, 2025, Shaib said, “By God’s grace, I am alive.” He urged people to ignore the rumors. He mentioned that someone suggested the rumors arose from an interview he gave.

Shaib clarified that he never agreed with the idea that "Rest Well" meant he had died. He stated, “I never supported anyone who said that 'Rest Well' means you are resting.”

The controversy began with Mohammed Zakou, a social media activist linked to the NPP. On April 4, 2025, Zakou posted a photo of Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang with the caption "Rest well, Your Excellency," along with crying emojis.

This post followed an official statement about her treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre for a sudden illness on March 28. The statement also noted she would receive further treatment abroad.

Zakou's post was criticized as misleading and insensitive. Many believed it falsely suggested that the Vice President had died.

He was arrested by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) over this weekend. His arrest has sparked discussions about freedom of speech on social media.

Zakou has since been granted bail but must report weekly to investigators. The case is set for a management conference on May 12, 2025.