The High Court has declined a bail application filed on behalf of Salomey Awiti Baffoe, who is facing charges linked to the ongoing “Ghana Jollof” TikTok case.
The court, in its ruling on Thursday, September 24, cited concerns over possible interference with witnesses if the accused were released while investigations remain ongoing.
The 40-year-old Senior Nursing Officer from Techiman is accused of abetting the publication of false news.
Her lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, had asked the court to admit her to bail, stressing that she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Counsel argued that the prosecution had not provided sufficient grounds to justify keeping his client in custody, describing the State’s case as being based largely on bare depositions.
He also submitted that the charge is a misdemeanour and therefore does not warrant the continued denial of bail in the circumstances.
The defence further disputed the prosecution’s concerns about possible interference with witnesses or investigations, arguing that no evidence had been presented to substantiate those claims.
Counsel also appealed to the court to consider the accused’s personal circumstances, particularly her role as a mother of minor children.
He told the court that one of her children is due to enrol in Senior High School and that her continued detention was affecting the child’s enrolment.
The prosecution, however, opposed the bail application and maintained that Baffoe remained necessary to assist investigators with the ongoing probe.
The State also indicated that investigators needed her continued cooperation in efforts to trace a second accused person identified as “Ghana Jollof.”
In its ruling, the court noted the cyber-related nature of the investigation and found that releasing the accused at this stage presented a real risk of interference with witnesses.
The court therefore refused the bail application but directed the Republic to expedite its investigations.
Baffoe will consequently remain in custody as the investigations into the case continue.
