The High Court in Accra has postponed the hearing of Salomey Baffoe’s bail application to September 24. The prosecution requested additional time to respond to the defence’s application. Ms Baffoe faces allegations of abetting the publication of false information linked to social media personality Ghana Jollof. Her lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, opposed the request, arguing that the application concerns his client’s liberty and should be treated with urgency.
According to reports from Accra-based Citi News, Assistant State Attorney Carl Afedzi Forson told the court that he was not the substantive lawyer handling the case and had only been informed that the Attorney-General’s Office received the bail application on Friday. The office had not yet assigned a lawyer to handle the case due to a public holiday on Monday. The prosecution subsequently asked for a short adjournment to prepare its response.
Defence counsel Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah argued that the State had been served with the application and had not claimed insufficient service. He maintained that bail applications involving an accused person’s liberty could be heard even on weekends. Mr Awuah cautioned that further delays could undermine the purpose of the application, as his client could spend almost the entire two-week remand period in custody.
The court acknowledged that Ms Baffoe’s liberty was at stake and stressed that the State could not treat the matter casually. The court adjourned proceedings to September 24 and directed the Republic to file any processes it intends to rely on and serve them by 9:00 a.m. This allows the prosecution to present its response before the court determines the next step on Ms Baffoe’s bail request.
The case against Salomey Baffoe is linked to social media personality Ghana Jollof. Ms Baffoe’s lawyer has described the police case against her as “founded on lies.” The adjournment means the High Court will consider the prosecution’s response before making a decision on Ms Baffoe’s bail application. Her detention has sparked concerns about the treatment of accused persons and the urgency with which bail applications are handled.
The court’s decision to adjourn the hearing has significant implications for Ms Baffoe, who has been in custody for some time. Her lawyer has expressed concerns about her health, stating that she is unwell. The case has also raised questions about the handling of bail applications and the role of the prosecution in responding to such requests.
The bail hearing will resume on September 24, with the prosecution expected to present its response. The court’s decision will determine whether Ms Baffoe will be granted bail and under what conditions. The case continues to attract attention due to its implications for freedom of expression and the role of social media personalities in Ghana.
Key points
- The High Court in Accra postponed the bail hearing of Salomey Baffoe to September 24.
- Ms Baffoe faces allegations of abetting the publication of false information linked to social media personality Ghana Jollof.
- The court directed the prosecution to file its response by 9:00 a.m. on September 24.
