The case against senior nursing officer Salomey Awiti Baffoe has been adjourned to October 5, 2026, due to the ongoing Association of Judges and Magistrates Conference. Baffoe is facing charges of abetment of crime in connection with the alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media. The Accra High Court made the decision on September 30, 2026, resulting in Baffoe's continued detention.
Baffoe's application for bail was rejected by the High Court on September 24, 2026, after the prosecution opposed her release. The prosecution argued that she was still needed to assist with ongoing investigations. The court ruled that the cyber-related nature of the case presented a real risk of interference with witnesses and investigations if Baffoe were released.
Baffoe's lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, had urged the court to grant bail, arguing that his client was presumed innocent and that the prosecution had not provided sufficient grounds to justify her continued detention. The defence also argued that the charge was a misdemeanour and challenged the suggestion that Baffoe could interfere with investigations if granted bail.
The defence team drew the court's attention to Baffoe's personal circumstances, including her role as a mother. Her lawyers highlighted that one of her children was preparing to enter Senior High School. Following the ruling, defence team member Enoch Afoakwa questioned the evidential basis for the court's concern about possible interference.
Baffoe, a 40-year-old Senior Nursing Officer from Techiman, was arrested in September and subsequently arraigned before the Adentan Circuit Court. She pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime, specifically the alleged publication of false news under Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The prosecution alleges that Baffoe acted as a liaison for UK-based TikTok personality Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as "Ghana Jollof". Baffoe allegedly assisted in recruiting individuals to redistribute videos produced by Kodua across various social media platforms. Police also allege that financial transactions between the two women formed part of the arrangement.
The case has sparked significant interest, with Police declaring Kodua wanted as investigations continue into the alleged publication of false news, incitement, and offensive conduct linked to the "Ghana Jollof" account. The defence has indicated plans to challenge the bail refusal, including through an appeal.
Key points
- The case against Salomey Baffoe has been adjourned to October 5, 2026.
- Baffoe's bail application was rejected due to concerns about interference with investigations.
- The prosecution alleges that Baffoe assisted in the publication of false news on social media.
