A senior nursing officer from Techiman, Salomey Awiti Baffoe, was arrested at her home in Hansua on September 13 and brought before the Adentan Circuit Court in Accra. She faces charges of abetment of crime, specifically the alleged publication and circulation of false news, under Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Baffoe has pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to the prosecution, Baffoe allegedly acted as a liaison for 'Ghana Jollof' and helped recruit others to redistribute videos produced by her.
Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as 'Ghana Jollof', has described Baffoe's arrest and prosecution as "purely political persecution". Kodua made the claim after learning of Baffoe's arrest on September 13. Baffoe, a mother of three, is accused of helping to circulate videos allegedly produced by Kodua, who operates a TikTok account from the UK. Kodua insists that Baffoe has been wrongly targeted and that the arrest is politically motivated.
Kodua questioned whether the law is being applied equally to people on different sides of Ghana's political divide. She referenced comments attributed to social commentator and blogger Kevin Taylor, suggesting that similar statements should have attracted the attention of security agencies. Kodua claimed that Taylor made statements that could be considered equal to a coup, but was not targeted by the authorities.
Kodua further alleged that Baffoe is being targeted because of her husband's political activities. According to Kodua, Baffoe's husband is an NPP communication director for the Chicago branch in the US, and the authorities want to frustrate the wife. Kodua rejected the allegations against Baffoe and questioned the evidence the police have that Baffoe shared her videos.
The police have presented a different account of Baffoe's involvement, stating that she served as a liaison for Kodua, helped recruit others to redistribute the videos, and received money which was allegedly passed on to other people involved in circulating the content. Kodua disputed the suggestion that Baffoe had a personal relationship with her, stating that Baffoe is not an active social media user and had no reason to be connected to the 'Ghana Jollof' account.
Kodua also criticized the manner in which Baffoe was arrested, saying her treatment amounted to violations of her rights. Kodua claimed that the authorities failed to let Baffoe's family know her whereabouts after her arrest and that she was left behind with her children. Baffoe was remanded for two weeks after her court appearance.
The case has sparked controversy, with many questioning the motivations behind Baffoe's arrest and the charges against her. Kodua has dared the government of Ghana to extradite her to face justice, claiming that they can never do it. The lawyers for the remanded nurse have challenged her remand and are seeking High Court bail.
Key points
- The arrest of Techiman nurse Salomey Awiti Baffoe has sparked claims of political persecution from 'Ghana Jollof'.
- Baffoe faces charges of abetment of crime for allegedly helping to circulate videos produced by 'Ghana Jollof'.
- The case has raised concerns about the application of the law and potential selective enforcement.
