The High Court in Accra has adjourned the bail application of Salomey Awity Bafoh, a 40-year-old senior nursing officer from Techiman. She faces charges of abetment of crime related to the circulation of content from the social media account of "Ghana Jollof". The bail application, initially set for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, was postponed to Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Counsel for the Attorney-General, Karl Afedzie Forson, requested the short adjournment to allow the prosecution to prepare its response. He informed the court that he was not the primary attorney handling the case and had only been informed that the A-G's office received the bail application on Friday, September 18, 2026. Due to a public holiday on Monday, the application had not yet been assigned to a substantive attorney.
Counsel for the accused, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, opposed the adjournment request. He argued that the application concerned his client's liberty and that there was proof the A-G's office had been served with the application. He also stated that there was no requirement for such an application to be served within three clear days before the hearing, as applied in civil proceedings.
The case involves allegations that Ms Bafoh acted as a liaison for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, known as "Ghana Jollof". The prosecution claims she assisted in disseminating videos produced by Ms Kodua and recruited others to redistribute and circulate them on social media platforms. Ms Bafoh is listed as the second accused person and is currently outside the jurisdiction, declared wanted by the Police.
The prosecution has charged Ms Bafoh with abetment of crime, specifically publication of false news, under sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). She has pleaded not guilty and was remanded for two weeks while investigations continue. Her bail application was adjourned to allow the prosecution to file its affidavit in opposition.
The court directed the A-G's office to file its affidavit in opposition by 9 a.m. on September 24, 2026. The judge emphasized that the liberty of an individual was at stake and required a prompt response from the prosecution. This directive was made to ensure that the bail application could proceed without further delay.
The case highlights the complexities of online content dissemination and the legal implications of abetment of crime. The court's decision to adjourn the bail application underscores the need for thorough preparation by both the prosecution and the defense. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for similar cases involving social media and online content in Ghana.
Key points
- The High Court in Accra adjourned the bail application of Salomey Awity Bafoh to September 24, 2026.
- Salomey Awity Bafoh faces charges of abetment of crime related to the circulation of content from the social media account of "Ghana Jollof".
- The court directed the A-G's office to file its affidavit in opposition by 9 a.m. on September 24, 2026.
