Adenta Circuit: Salomey Awiti Baffoh Granted GH¢100K Bail

• A 40-year-old nurse, Ms. Salomey Awiti Baffoh, has been granted GH¢100,000 bail by the Adenta Circuit Court.
• She pleaded not guilty to charges of spreading false news and abetting crime.
• Bail conditions include providing two civil servant sureties earning at least GH¢3,000 monthly and reporting to the Hesua Police Station bi-weekly.
• Ms. Baffoh is accused of acting as a local liaison for UK-based TikTok personality Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, allegedly recruiting individuals to circulate videos and handling financial transactions.
• The case has been adjourned until February 17, 2027, for further proceedings.

This case underscores the significant criminal liability risks individuals face when engaging in online content distribution, even in an intermediary capacity.

The Adenta Circuit Court has granted bail totaling GH¢100,000 to Ms. Salomey Awiti Baffoh, a 40-year-old nurse accused of spreading false news and abetting criminal activity. Appearing before Judge Mrs. Angela Attachie, Ms. Baffoh entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. This decision by the Adenta Circuit Court to grant criminal bail comes with specific and stringent conditions, highlighting the judiciary's approach to such cases.

As part of her release, Ms. Baffoh is required to provide two sureties. Both individuals must be civil servants, each demonstrating a minimum monthly salary of GH¢3,000. Furthermore, she has been directed to report to the Hesua Police Station on a bi-weekly basis. The prosecution did not raise objections to the bail application during the court proceedings. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on February 17, 2027.

The charges against Ms. Baffoh stem from her alleged involvement with the "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account, operated by Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, a UK-based social media personality also known as "Ghana Jollof." Prosecutors contend that Ms. Baffoh served as a local liaison for Kodua within Ghana. In this capacity, she is accused of recruiting individuals to disseminate videos produced by Kodua across various social media platforms.

Beyond content circulation, the prosecution further alleges that Ms. Baffoh managed financial transactions linked to these social media activities. Police investigations reportedly uncovered financial connections between Ms. Baffoh and Kodua, supporting these claims. A forensic examination of Ms. Baffoh's mobile phone and her mobile money transaction records purportedly revealed evidence of transactions directly related to the alleged activities, including the recruitment of others to redistribute Kodua's video content.

This case brings into focus Ghana's legal stance on "spreading false news" and "abetting crime," particularly when these activities are facilitated through social media. The Adenta Circuit Court's decision to impose a GH¢100,000 bail, coupled with specific requirements for sureties, underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are viewed. The demand for civil servant sureties earning a substantial minimum salary reflects a judicial effort to ensure accountability and compliance with bail terms.

The conditions set for Ms. Baffoh's release illustrate the rigorous nature of criminal bail in Ghana, especially in cases involving allegations of public harm or misinformation. The requirement for regular reporting to the Hesua Police Station further emphasizes the court's intent to maintain oversight while the legal process unfolds. This approach aims to balance the accused's right to liberty with the need to prevent further alleged offenses and ensure appearance in court.

The proceedings against Ms. Salomey Awiti Baffoh carry significant implications for individuals engaged in online content distribution, even those acting as local intermediaries. This case underscores the significant criminal liability risks individuals face when engaging in online content distribution, even in an intermediary capacity. Lawyers in Ghana should advise clients on the stringent bail conditions that can be imposed, such as high monetary sums and specific surety qualifications, in cases involving social media-related offenses.

The involvement of a Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, representing Ms. Baffoh, further signals the high-profile nature of this case. It serves as a stark reminder that participation in online networks, even in a seemingly supportive or logistical role, can lead to serious legal consequences under Ghanaian law. The outcome of this case will likely contribute to the evolving jurisprudence surrounding digital content and accountability in the country.

This case highlights the Ghanaian judiciary's approach to bail in 'spreading false news' and 'abetting crime' cases, particularly those involving social media. Lawyers should advise clients on the significant criminal liability risks associated with distributing content, even as a local liaison, and the stringent bail conditions (high sum, specific surety requirements, regular reporting) that can be imposed.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times.