The High Court in Accra, Ghana, 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 alleged circulation of content linked to the "Ghana Jollof" social media account. The bail application, initially set for September 23, 2026, will now be heard on September 24, 2026.
The adjournment was requested by counsel for the Attorney-General, Karl Afedzie Forson, who cited the need for additional time to prepare the prosecution's response. Forson explained that he was not the primary attorney assigned to the case and had only recently been informed that the A-G's office had been served with the application on September 18, 2026.
Counsel for Ms. Bafoh, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, opposed the adjournment request, arguing that it concerned his client's liberty. He noted that the A-G's office had received the application and that the requirement for 3 clear days' notice did not apply to bail applications. Awuah expressed concern that further delay could undermine the purpose of the application.
According to the prosecution, Ms. Bafoh allegedly acted as a liaison for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, known as "Ghana Jollof," and assisted in distributing videos produced by Kodua. The prosecution also alleges that she recruited others to redistribute and circulate the videos on social media platforms. Ms. Bafoh is currently outside the jurisdiction and has been declared wanted by the Police.
Ms. Bafoh has been charged 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 2 weeks while investigations continue. Her bail application will be heard on September 24, 2026.
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 matter involved an individual's liberty and ordered the prosecution to submit its response within the specified period. This development will determine Ms. Bafoh's fate in the "Ghana Jollof" case.
The case has raised concerns about the circulation of potentially false information on social media platforms. The outcome of Ms. Bafoh's bail application and the subsequent trial will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for similar cases in Ghana. The court's decision on September 24 will be crucial in determining the next steps in the case.
Key points
- The High Court in Accra has adjourned Salomey Bafoh's bail application to September 24, 2026.
- Salomey Bafoh faces charges of abetment of crime related to the alleged circulation of "Ghana Jollof" social media content.
- The prosecution and defense have presented arguments regarding the adjournment, with the court ultimately setting a new hearing date.
