The family of 40-year-old nurse Salomey Awiti Baffoe has appealed to the Ghanaian government to facilitate her release from detention. Baffoe, a mother of three, has been held in custody since her case was adjourned to October 5 due to the presiding magistrate's attendance at a judges and magistrates conference. Her family expressed distress, particularly as her children have been asking for their mother, and appealed for help to secure her release.
Salomey Baffoe has pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetting the alleged publication of false news on social media. The High Court refused to grant her bail last Thursday, citing the need for further investigations and concerns that she could interfere with witnesses. Her lead counsel, Nana Adjei Baffour, argued that the prosecution has not provided sufficient grounds to justify continued detention, stressing her client's presumption of innocence and describing the charge as a misdemeanor.
The family described their situation as desperate, with Baffoe's children crying woefully for their mother. They appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and his wife to intervene in her release. The family stated that they are struggling to cope with Baffoe's detention, unable to sleep, eat, or drink due to the distressing situation.
Baffoe's detention is related to her alleged involvement with Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, the operator of the Ghana Jollof TikTok account. Investigators claim that financial transactions were uncovered between the two women, and that Baffoe assisted Kodua in disseminating videos and recruiting others to redistribute the content.
The defence has argued that Baffoe should be granted bail, citing her constitutional presumption of innocence and her responsibilities as a mother. Her lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, noted that one of her children is due to begin Senior High School and that her continued detention is affecting the child's education.
The case has generated concern over the impact of Baffoe's detention on her family, particularly her three children. The court's decision to keep her in custody while investigations continue has sparked growing public interest, with many calling for her release.
Baffoe's case is set to continue on October 5, with her family and lawyer hoping for a positive outcome. The case has raised questions about the impact of detention on families and the need for a balanced approach to investigations and justice.
Key points
- The family of detained nurse Salomey Baffoe appeals for her release, citing the distressing impact on her children.
- Baffoe is charged with abetting the publication of false news on social media, related to her alleged involvement with the Ghana Jollof TikTok account.
- The case has sparked public concern over the impact of detention on families and the need for a balanced approach to investigations and justice.
