The Adenta Circuit Court has granted Senior Nursing Officer Salomey Awity Bafoh bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties to be justified. The court, presided over by Angela Attachie, also directed Bafoh to report to the Police Station at Techiman in the Bono East Region once every two weeks while on bail. Bafoh, 40, has been charged with abetment of crime, specifically publication of false news, contrary to sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
According to the prosecution, Bafoh is alleged to have acted as a liaison for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, the person believed to be behind the "Ghana Jollof" social media handle. Kodua is said to be in the United Kingdom and has been declared wanted by the Police. The prosecution alleges that Bafoh recruited other persons to redistribute and circulate videos produced by Kodua on various social media platforms.
Police investigations uncovered financial links between Bafoh and Kodua, with forensic examination of Bafoh's mobile phone and mobile money transaction records allegedly revealing transactions connected to the activities. Bafoh has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution, represented by the Deputy Attorney-General, did not oppose the bail application.
Counsel for Bafoh, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, reminded the court that the accused had been in custody for three weeks and appealed to the court to grant her bail. The Deputy Attorney-General told the court that the prosecution was not opposed to the bail application. This led to the court granting Bafoh bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties to be justified.
The sureties are required to be civil servants earning not less than GH¢3000. The court also ordered Bafoh to report to the Hesua Police Station in the Techiman area once every two weeks. Bafoh is based in Techiman and will have to adhere to these conditions while on bail.
The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2027. Bafoh's bail conditions aim to ensure her availability for the trial while preventing her from interfering with the case. The "Ghana Jollof" social media account has been at the center of controversy, and the court's decision allows Bafoh to await trial outside of custody.
The charges against Bafoh carry significant penalties, and the court's decision to grant bail reflects a balance between her right to liberty and the need to ensure her availability for trial. The case will continue on the adjourned date, and the court will determine the outcome of the charges against Bafoh.
Key points
- The Adenta Circuit Court granted Salomey Awity Bafoh bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties to be justified.
- Bafoh is alleged to have acted as a liaison for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, the person behind the "Ghana Jollof" social media handle.
- The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2027.
