The Greater Accra Chairman of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Jefferson Asare Danquah, has expressed disappointment over the High Court's decision to deny bail to 40-year-old nurse Salomey Baffoe. Baffoe, a Senior Nursing Officer based in Techiman, is facing charges linked to the alleged publication of false news in the Ghana Jollof case. The GRNMA remains firmly behind Baffoe, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of abetting the publication of false news.
Addressing journalists after the ruling on September 24, Danquah said the development had left members of the nursing fraternity deeply distressed. He stated that the Association would continue to stand with Baffoe and expressed hope that she would eventually be cleared. Despite the setback, Danquah emphasized that the Association remains committed to supporting Baffoe throughout the trial process.
Salomey Baffoe has been charged with abetting the publication of false news under Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Prosecutors allege that she acted as a liaison for UK-based TikTok personality Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as "Ghana Jollof," who is being investigated over alleged publication of false news and incendiary comments against the government.
According to the prosecution, financial transactions between Baffoe and Kodua have been identified, with Kodua allegedly sending money to Baffoe to recruit people to redistribute videos on social media. Kodua is currently outside Ghana and has been declared wanted. The High Court in Accra rejected Baffoe's bail application after prosecutors argued that she remained relevant to ongoing cyber investigations and could interfere with witnesses if released.
The court cited the cyber-related nature of the investigation as presenting a real risk of interference, while directing the Republic to expedite the case. Baffoe was initially arraigned before the Adentan Circuit Court and remanded in police custody for two weeks. She is expected to return to court on September 30. Her lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has indicated plans to appeal the High Court's decision and petition the Chief Justice to permit the Court of Appeal to sit during the legal vacation to hear the bail application.
Baffour Awuah maintains that investigations specifically involving Baffoe have been completed, her phones are already in police custody, and there is no evidence that she would interfere with the ongoing investigation. The GRNMA's Danquah expressed hope that Baffoe would eventually be granted bail, stating that the Association would continue to show solidarity with her.
The case has sparked significant interest, with many expressing support for Baffoe. The GRNMA's stance on the matter highlights the professional body's commitment to defending its members. Key points include:
Key points
- The High Court denied bail to Salomey Baffoe due to concerns about her potential interference with witnesses.
- The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association remains committed to supporting Baffoe throughout the trial process.
- Baffoe's lawyer plans to appeal the High Court's decision and petition the Chief Justice to hear the bail application.
