Court adjourns Salomey Baffoe case to October 5

The case involving Senior Nursing Officer Salomey Awiti Baffoe, who has been charged with abetment of crime over the alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media, has been adjourned to October 5, 2026.

The Accra High Court adjourned the case on Wednesday, September 30, due to the ongoing Association of Judges and Magistrates Conference.

The adjournment means Ms Baffoe, whose bail application was rejected by the High Court on September 24, will remain in custody until the next hearing.

The court previously declined her bail request after the prosecution opposed her release, arguing that she was required to assist with ongoing investigations.

The court held that the cyber-related nature of the case created a risk of interference with witnesses and investigations should she be released at that stage. It subsequently directed the Republic to expedite its investigations.

Ms Baffoe’s lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, had urged the court to grant bail, arguing that his client was presumed innocent and that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient grounds for her continued detention.

The defence further argued that the charge was a misdemeanour and disputed claims that Ms Baffoe could interfere with investigations if granted bail.

Her lawyers also cited her personal circumstances, including her responsibilities as a mother and the fact that one of her children is preparing to enter Senior High School.

Following the ruling, another member of the defence team, Enoch Afoakwa, questioned the basis for the court’s concerns over possible interference with investigations.

He argued that the Republic’s affidavit contained mainly “bare depositions” rather than evidence showing that Ms Baffoe had the capacity to interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations.

The defence has indicated its intention to challenge the refusal of bail, including through an appeal.

Ms Baffoe, 40, a Senior Nursing Officer from Techiman, was arrested in September and subsequently arraigned before the Adentan Circuit Court. She pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime, relating to the alleged publication of false news under Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

According to the prosecution, Ms Baffoe acted as a liaison for UK-based TikTok personality Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”, and helped recruit individuals to distribute videos produced by her across various social media platforms.

Police allege that financial transactions between the two women formed part of the arrangement, with Ms Kodua allegedly sending money to Ms Baffoe to facilitate the distribution of the videos.

Investigators further allege that portions of the funds were subsequently shared among others involved in circulating the content.

Police have declared Ms Kodua wanted as investigations continue into allegations of false news publication, incitement and offensive conduct linked to the “Ghana Jollof” account.

By Esther Padmore Amonoo