The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has questioned the prosecution’s handling of the case involving Salomey Awiti Bafoh, saying a change in the allegations presented before the Adenta Circuit Court raises concerns about the basis for her continued detention.
Madam Bafoh, a senior nursing officer based in Techiman, was remanded for two weeks after pleading not guilty to a charge of abetment of the publication of false news.
The prosecution alleges that Madam Bafoh assisted Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, also known as “Ghana Jollof”, to disseminate videos through TikTok and other social media platforms.
According to the NPP, when Madam Bafoh first appeared before the court on September 16, the prosecution reportedly alleged that she was linked to the “Ghana Jollof” account and was being investigated over an alleged plot to overthrow the government.
The party said the prosecution presented a different allegation the following day—abetment of publication of false news under Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
“This dramatic change in the prosecution’s case raises serious questions about the basis for her continued detention,” the NPP said.
Prosecutors have alleged that Madam Bafoh acted as a liaison for Kodua and recruited others to redistribute videos published through social media. They have also alleged that money was transferred from Kodua in the United Kingdom to Madam Bafoh in Ghana in connection with the activities under investigation.
The prosecution further alleges that some of the videos contained statements capable of inciting violence, including an alleged threat to overthrow the government. Kodua is reportedly outside Ghana and has been listed as being at large.
The NPP said Madam Bafoh had already spent about a week in custody before she was further remanded.
“Pre-trial detention must not become a substitute for investigation or punishment before conviction,” the party said, citing Section 96 of Act 30 and arguing that bail conditions must be reasonable and that bail should not be withheld as punishment.
The party is calling for an immediate review of Madam Bafoh’s continued detention and her admission to reasonable bail.
It has also demanded that the prosecution clearly establish the legal and territorial basis for the charge before the Adenta Circuit Court, while calling for full respect for her constitutional rights, including personal liberty, the presumption of innocence and a fair trial.
Madam Bafoh is expected to reappear before the Adenta Circuit Court on September 30, 2026.
