An activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mohammed Zakou, has been granted bail in the sum of GH₵100,000 by the Achimota Circuit Court after being arrested for allegedly spreading false information about the health of Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Zakou was apprehended on Saturday, April 12, 2025, following a Facebook post he made that read, “Rest Well Her Excellency,” accompanied by crying emojis. The post was widely interpreted as an erroneous announcement of the Vice President’s death, sparking confusion and concern among the public.
Government officials had previously confirmed that the Vice President was unwell but recovering, and Zakou’s post was seen as an attempt to mislead the public. As a result, Zakou was charged with communicating false news.
In court on Monday, April 14, 2025, a prosecutor from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) revealed that Zakou admitted to making the post but insisted that it was intended as a goodwill gesture towards the Vice President, expressing his well wishes for her recovery.
During the court session, Zakou’s legal counsel, led by lawyer Gary Nimako Marfo, petitioned for bail, emphasizing that the accused had no intent to cause harm. The state did not oppose the bail application, but prosecutors requested conditions to ensure that Zakou remains available for trial.
The court granted bail with two sureties and ordered Zakou to report to the investigating officer weekly. The case has been adjourned to May 12, 2025, for a case management conference.
The false health-related post has sparked widespread discussions and concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media, with authorities urging citizens to be more responsible in their online communications.
