High Court Denies Bail to Salomey Baffoe as Political Dispute Erupts Over ‘Ghana Jollof’ Case

The Accra High Court has denied a bail application for Salomey Awity Baffoe, a Senior Nursing Officer implicated in the "Ghana Jollof" TikTok controversy, which involves allegations of abetting false news and inciting a coup against President John Mahama’s administration. During a virtual hearing on September 24, the court prioritized the integrity of ongoing cyber-related investigations over the defendant's right to liberty. Prosecutors argued successfully that Baffoe’s release posed a significant risk of witness interference and the potential deletion of electronic evidence. This decision follows her initial remand by the Adenta Circuit Court, as security agencies continue to probe high-profile financial transactions linked to the social media account and search for its alleged operator, Barbara Asantewaa Koduah.

The legal team for Ms. Baffoe, led by Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has expressed strong disagreement with the ruling, announcing plans to appeal the decision and petition the Chief Justice for an expedited hearing. Counsel argued that the police have already seized and examined Baffoe’s mobile devices, making any claim of potential evidence tampering groundless. Furthermore, the defense emphasized the humanitarian impact of her continued detention, noting that she is a single mother of three minor children who are reportedly suffering in her absence. Dr. Jones Opoku-Ware, a criminologist at KNUST, also criticized the court’s stance as "high-handed," suggesting that detention for a misdemeanor charge in this context appeared excessive.

The case has rapidly transitioned into a political flashpoint, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition and rebuttals from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, characterized Baffoe’s detention as a "facade" designed to distract the public from a burgeoning narcotics scandal following a reported 3.9-tonne cocaine seizure in France. However, Rashid Tanko Computer, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, dismissed these allegations, asserting that the government would not interfere with judicial processes. He maintained that the law must take its course independently and urged for the protection of state institutions from political controversy.

Amidst the legal and political maneuvering, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei has made a direct appeal to First Lady Lordina Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to intervene on humanitarian grounds. Appiagyei highlighted the specific vulnerabilities of women in the justice system and urged the nation’s female leadership to advocate for Baffoe’s welfare as a mother. As the High Court directs the Republic to expedite its investigative processes, the case remains a focal point for debates regarding judicial independence, the use of cybercrime laws, and the intersection of social media activism with national security.