New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called for the release of Techiman-based nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh, who has been remanded over her alleged involvement in the publication and circulation of false news on social media.
Dr Bawumia made the call in a Facebook post on Friday, September 18, describing reports surrounding the nurse’s arrest and detention as “very worrying” and warning against what he said could amount to an infringement of citizens’ right to free expression.
Bafoh, a 40-year-old senior nursing officer and mother of three, was remanded into police custody for two weeks after appearing before the Adentan Circuit Court on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
She pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime, specifically the alleged publication and circulation of false news, contrary to Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The prosecution alleges that Bafoh acted as a liaison for UK-based TikTok user Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”, and assisted in distributing videos produced by Kodua by recruiting other individuals to repost the content on social media.
Investigators further allege that Kodua, who is currently outside Ghana and has been listed as being at large, transferred money from the United Kingdom to Bafoh to support the alleged distribution activities, with portions of the funds subsequently given to other individuals.
The prosecution also alleges that some of the videos published through the “Ghana Jollof” account contained offensive and inflammatory statements that could potentially provoke violence. One of the videos under investigation allegedly contained threats to overthrow the government and burn Ghana.
These allegations have not been established by a court.
Bafoh’s lawyers applied for bail, citing her permanent employment, fixed residence and responsibility for a four-year-old child whose welfare depended on her. The prosecution opposed the application, referring to the ongoing investigations.
The court subsequently refused bail and adjourned the case to September 30, 2026.
Reports indicate that Bafoh was arrested at her home in Hansua, near Techiman, at about midnight on September 13. Her family reportedly said three individuals who identified themselves as National Security operatives took her away.
Reacting to the case, Dr Bawumia said the arrest of a nurse and mother in the middle of the night, followed by her remand, raised serious concerns.
He said Ghana’s intelligence agencies should not be reduced to pursuing citizens merely for insulting the President or other public officials, while stressing that he does not endorse political insults.
The former Vice-President said he had consistently opposed what he described as a “politics of insults” and urged political actors to maintain decorum, arguing that ideas needed to transform Ghana would not emerge from abusive political discourse.
At the same time, Dr Bawumia said the government had a responsibility to protect freedom of expression, which he described as a foundation of Ghana’s democracy.
He also accused the government of selectively applying the law, alleging that some citizens make insulting statements without facing arrest while others are prosecuted when their comments concern politically sensitive subjects.
Dr Bawumia consequently called for Bafoh’s release, as well as that of other individuals he said had been similarly charged and imprisoned.
