The High Court in Ghana is set to hear the bail application of senior nursing officer Salomey Awity Baffoe today, Wednesday, September 23. Baffoe's lawyer, Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah, made the announcement on Monday, September 21, stating that the application was filed on Friday and the hearing is scheduled for 9 o'clock at the High Court Complex.
Baffoe, 40, was arrested at her home in Hansua in the Techiman Municipality of the Bono East Region on September 13. She has been charged with abetment of crime over her alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media. 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 Kodua by serving as an intermediary and enlisting others to share the content.
The case has sparked debate on freedom of speech in Ghana, with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a prominent figure, speaking out on the issue. Dr. Bawumia 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. He stated that such actions would be imprudent and contrary to democratic principles, and that he has 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.
Meanwhile, the Tribunals Bill, 2026, which was recently passed by Parliament, has also been a topic of discussion. Dr. Bawumia has added 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.
Baffoe's lawyer, Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah, expressed confidence that his client will be released to go and enjoy life and take care of her children, who have not had their mother for the last 10 days. The court hearing is expected to determine Baffoe's fate and potentially have implications for freedom of speech in Ghana.
Key points
- The High Court will hear Salomey Awity Baffoe's bail application today.
- Baffoe is charged with abetment of crime over alleged publication of false news on social media.
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech in Ghana's democracy.
