Lawyer Enoch Afoakwah, representing detained nurse Salomey Awity Baffoe, has expressed concerns over the Police Service's handling of the Ghana Jollof case. He alleges that the police are confused about the identity of the person behind the "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account. According to Afoakwah, the police previously arrested Barbara Okrah in 2025 in connection with the account, but now they have declared another person, Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, wanted for allegedly publishing false news on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Afoakwah's comments come as the defence team prepares to challenge the continued detention of Salomey Baffoe, who has been remanded for two weeks over alleged links to the "Ghana Jollof" account. The lawyer argues that the police's actions raise questions about how his client was arrested and detained when the person they have declared wanted remains at large. He described the investigation as a "fishing expedition" and a "disgrace to the country."
The police have stated that investigations have uncovered an alleged network involved in the production, funding, and circulation of the account's content. According to Afoakwah, the defence has filed a bail application before the Accra Circuit Court, with the application scheduled to be heard on Wednesday. The lawyer expressed hope that the court will listen to their appeal and grant bail to his client.
Afoakwah questioned the police's ability to arrest and prosecute Salomey Baffoe in connection with the alleged activities while the person they have identified as the operator of the account has been declared wanted. He asked how the police could claim to have arrested Baffoe through their own intelligence-led operation and technological advancement when the actual operator of the account remains at large.
The lawyer also criticised the handling of the investigation, saying the circumstances surrounding his client's detention were unacceptable. He called for disciplinary action against senior security officials, suggesting that if he were President, he would have the CID Director-General and Inspector-General of Police interdicted, as well as the head of the Bureau of National Intelligence.
The police have maintained that their investigations have established links between Baffoe and the "Ghana Jollof" operation, including alleged financial and communication links. The CID has said forensic examination of her phone and mobile money records formed part of the evidence gathered. Baffoe has pleaded not guilty to the charge of abetment of publication of false news.
The case has sparked concerns about the police's handling of social media-related crimes and the detention of individuals without sufficient evidence. The outcome of the bail application and the court's decision on the matter remain to be seen.
Key points
- The police previously arrested Barbara Okrah in 2025 in connection with the "Ghana Jollof" account.
- The defence team has filed a bail application for Salomey Baffoe, which is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday.
- The police have established alleged links between Baffoe and the "Ghana Jollof" operation, including financial and communication ties.
