Accra: The Kotobabi Circuit Court has granted bail to two men believed to be bloggers, who were arrested over the alleged publication of false news involving President John Dramani Mahama. The individuals, identified as Issaka Yahaya, also known as Nsem Fie TV, and Godfred Ansu Damoah, were each released on a bail sum of GHS30,000. The bail conditions require two sureties, one of whom must be a public servant earning not less than GHS5,000.
According to Ghana Web, the two were detained separately after allegedly reposting a video where President Mahama and the National Security Coordinator were heard discussing "GHS150 million." Issaka was arrested in Sefwi Dabiso in the Western North Region and transported to Accra, while Damoah was apprehended in Obuasi, then taken to Kumasi before being transferred to the capital.
Following the court proceedings, lawyer Enoch Afoakwa revealed that the prosecution had sought to remand his clients, but the court rejected the request. "Our brother Issaka and Godfred Damoah were arraigned before the Kotobabi District Court on three counts. Issaka was charged with one count, then Godfred with two counts," Afoakwa explained. He expressed gratitude to the court for granting bail, acknowledging the cooperation of law enforcement agencies.
Afoakwa further stated that his clients are facing charges of publication of false news and conspiracy to publish false news after sharing the video. He argued that the government had clarified the video's content rather than denying it, questioning the rationale behind the arrests. "The Minister for Government Communications has not come to deny the alleged video but clarified that the GHS150 million is not a bribe but to support flood mitigation measures," Afoakwa noted.
He emphasized that charging individuals for asking legitimate questions concerning social accountability is detrimental to democracy. "The Attorney General should really look at some of these things because it is not healthy for a democracy that free speech should not be couched with arrests, detentions, and manhandling," he added.
Meanwhile, videos observed by GhanaWeb showed the two men in handcuffs, leaving the court premises under police escort.