NPP Flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called on the government to release Techiman-based nurse Salomey Bafoh Awiti and others he says have been similarly charged and jailed.
Ms Bafoh was arrested on September 13 and later remanded for two weeks by the Adentan Circuit Court after pleading not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime, to wit, publication of false news, under sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). She is expected to reappear on September 30.
The prosecution alleges that Ms Bafoh acted as a liaison for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”, and helped disseminate videos produced by her by recruiting others to redistribute the content. The prosecution also alleges that Ms Kodua transferred money to Ms Bafoh to support the activities.
Reacting to the case in a Facebook post on Friday, September 18, Dr Bawumia said the circumstances surrounding Ms Bafoh’s arrest and detention were worrying and criticised what he described as the selective application of laws.
“Please release Salomey Bafoh Awiti and others who have been similarly charged and jailed,” he said.
He also urged the government to respect the right to free speech, arguing that any infringement on the right would push Ghana’s democracy backwards.