NPP condemns remand of Salomey Awiti Bafoh and raises concerns over Adenta Circuit Court

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticised the continued detention of Techiman-based principal nursing officer Salomey Awiti Bafoh, raising questions about the circumstances of her arrest, the allegations against her and the decision by the Adenta Circuit Court to remand her for two weeks.

In a statement issued on Friday, September 18, 2026, the party called for an immediate review of Bafoh’s detention and urged that she be admitted to reasonable bail.

Bafoh, 40, was arrested at her home in Hansua near Techiman on September 13 and subsequently appeared before the Adenta Circuit Court, where she pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime relating to the alleged publication and circulation of false news.

NPP questions continued detention

The NPP said it was concerned that Bafoh had already spent several days in custody before being brought before the court and was subsequently remanded for another two weeks while investigations continued.

The party argued that pre-trial detention should not become a substitute for investigation or punishment before conviction.

It therefore called for the circumstances surrounding her continued detention to be reviewed, stressing the importance of her constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.

Questions over changing allegations

The NPP also raised concerns about what it described as changes in the allegations presented by the prosecution.

According to the party, when Bafoh first appeared in court, the prosecution reportedly linked the case to an alleged plot to overthrow the government.

The charge subsequently before the court, however, relates to alleged abetment of the publication of false news under Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The NPP said the difference raises questions about the legal basis for keeping Bafoh in custody.

The prosecution’s case remains an allegation and has not been established by the court.

NPP challenges Adenta court’s territorial jurisdiction

Another major issue raised by the opposition party concerns the territorial jurisdiction of the Adenta Circuit Court.

The NPP pointed out that Bafoh resides in Techiman in the Bono East Region and said the prosecution should demonstrate what specific act allegedly constituting the offence occurred within the jurisdiction of the Adenta court.

The party said this question requires clarification as the case proceeds.

What the prosecution alleges

According to the prosecution, Bafoh allegedly acted as a liaison for UK-based TikTok user Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”.

Investigators allege that Bafoh helped disseminate videos produced by Kodua by recruiting other individuals to redistribute the content on social media platforms.

The prosecution has also alleged that Kodua transferred money from the United Kingdom to Bafoh to support the distribution activities, with portions of the money allegedly passed on to others involved in circulating the videos.

Kodua is currently at large and has been declared wanted by the Police.

Allegations involving national security

The prosecution has told the court that some of the videos under investigation contained offensive and inflammatory statements allegedly capable of provoking violence.

One of the videos allegedly contained threats to overthrow the government and burn Ghana.

These claims remain part of the prosecution’s case and have not been proven in court.

The prosecution opposed Bafoh’s bail application, citing ongoing investigations and the national security dimension of the allegations.

The court subsequently refused bail and remanded her for two weeks. She is expected to reappear on September 30, 2026.

NPP calls for reasonable bail

The NPP is now calling for an immediate review of the decision to keep Bafoh in custody.

The party said her constitutional protections must be respected and urged the court to consider granting her reasonable bail while the investigations continue.

The call comes amid growing attention to the case, with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association also confirming that it is exploring legal avenues to support efforts for Bafoh’s early release.

Case draws growing attention

The case has attracted political and professional attention following Bafoh’s arrest and subsequent remand.

NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has separately described the circumstances surrounding her arrest and detention as “very worrying” and called for her release, while also stressing the importance of protecting freedom of expression.

For now, the legal proceedings remain ongoing, with the prosecution expected to continue its investigations.

As the case heads back to court, the key issues now under scrutiny include the allegations against Bafoh, the basis for her continued detention and the NPP’s questions about the territorial jurisdiction of the Adenta Circuit Court.