The High Court in Ghana is set to hear the bail application of senior nursing officer Salomey Awity Baffoe on Wednesday, September 23. Baffoe's lawyer, Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah, made the announcement on Monday, September 21. According to Awuah, the bail application was filed on Friday and will be heard at 9 o'clock at the High Court Complex. The lawyer expressed confidence that Baffoe will be released to care for her children, who have been without their mother for 10 days.
Salomey Awity Baffoe, 40, was arrested on September 13 at her home in Hansua in the Techiman Municipality of the Bono East Region. She has been charged with abetment of crime over her alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media. Baffoe pleaded not guilty to the charge of abetment of crime in connection with the alleged publication of false news, contrary to sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The court initially declined to grant her bail and remanded her in custody for two weeks.
According to the prosecution, Baffoe worked as an intermediary for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, known as 'Ghana Jollof,' and supported the circulation of her videos by engaging other individuals to share and redistribute the material. The prosecution alleges that Baffoe facilitated the circulation of videos produced by Barbara Asantewaa Kodua by serving as an intermediary and enlisting others to share the content. However, the court has yet to establish these allegations.
The case has sparked concerns about freedom of speech in Ghana. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a prominent Ghanaian politician, has spoken out on issues concerning freedom of speech. He noted that Ghana's democracy can only be strengthened when citizens are free to express themselves without fear of arrest or prosecution for their speech. Dr. Bawumia emphasized that those who oppose and speak freely against politicians should not face arrest or prosecution for expressing their views.
Dr. Bawumia's comments follow a plea urging the government to release a National Democratic Congress (NDC) organiser in Agona West who is facing charges over alleged offensive comments made about him. Dr. Bawumia stated that he neither lodged complaints nor sanctioned the prosecution of individuals who spoke against him during his tenure as Vice President or while the NPP was in government. He believes such actions would be imprudent and contrary to democratic principles.
The Tribunals Bill, 2026, which was recently passed by Parliament, has also been a topic of discussion. Dr. Bawumia has added his voice to the many individuals cautioning President John Dramani Mahama against assenting to the bill. The Tribunals Bill seeks to address the lacuna in the legal framework of Ghana regarding tribunals. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to give his assent in the coming days before it becomes law.
The hearing of Baffoe's bail application on Wednesday is expected to draw significant attention. Her lawyer, Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah, remains optimistic about the outcome. The case has sparked a wider conversation about freedom of speech and the role of social media in Ghanaian society. The court's decision on Baffoe's bail application will be closely watched by many.
Key points
- The High Court will hear Salomey Awity Baffoe's bail application on Wednesday, September 23.
- Baffoe has been charged with abetment of crime over her alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media.
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has spoken out on issues concerning freedom of speech in Ghana, emphasizing that citizens should be free to express themselves without fear of arrest or prosecution.
