Accra: Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has dismissed suggestions that the Ghana Jollof case should be handled as a treason matter, emphasizing that the alleged offences have a different legal classification. Baidoo clarified that the situation involves allegations of offensive conduct and false news publication rather than treasonous activities.
According to Ghana Web, Bernard Baidoo stated during an appearance on Newsfile on JoyNews that the individual involved has not been arrested or investigated for treason. He highlighted that the legal threshold for treason is considerably higher, and the current charges do not meet this criterion. Baidoo expressed uncertainty about any treason charges being considered, underlining the importance of distinguishing between the alleged offences and treason.
Baidoo further explained that even if some statements in question could be interpreted as treasonous, the applicable legal charges would fall under Sections 207 and 208, dealing with different legal criteria. He stressed that the case is a misdemeanour, focusing on offensive conduct and false publication rather than treasonous acts.
The police have indicated that their investigation revolves around alleged false news publication, inciting comments, and offensive conduct associated with the Ghana Jollof account. Salomey Awiti Baffoe has been charged with abetment of crime, specifically the publication of false news. Baidoo's argument is that the focus should remain on the specific offences under investigation rather than treating the case as a treason prosecution.