Blogger granted GH¢50k bail for false publication against former NCA board chair

A bail condition of GH¢50,000 with two sureties has been imposed on Samuel Amadotor, a journalist with Dklassgh.net, following his arrest by the Ghana Police Service for allegedly publishing false news.

Amadotor is accused of circulating false information about the former board chair of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and traditional ruler, Okatakyie Boakye Danquah Ababio II.

Blogger arrested for allegedly spreading false news about former NCA chair

According to a report by myjoyonline.com, the journalist has been charged with two counts; publication of false news with intent to cause fear and panic, contrary to Section 208(1) of the Criminal Offences Act (Act 29), and publication of false news under Section 123 of the Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772).

He reportedly pleaded not guilty to both charges. Presiding judge Her Ladyship Evelyn Asamoah of the Accra Circuit Court subsequently granted him bail.

The police had earlier stated that Amadotor admitted to the offence and would be arraigned before court.

Meanwhile, award-winning investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has criticised the police for their handling of the matter.

Reacting to the police statement in a Facebook post on Thursday, he questioned why the suspect had not been arraigned earlier.

According to him, information available suggests the police kept the journalist in custody for more than 48 hours after his arrest, in violation of Ghana’s laws.

“Why have you not put him before the court for this long? Why tomorrow, and not earlier? Some sources close to him say he has been in custody for more than 48 hours. What law allows you to keep a suspect for this long without putting him before the court?

“THIS LAW ON FALSE NEWS SHOULD BE REPEALED. If the person who made the report feels defamed, he can sue the journalist. This law has been abused for too long and we must stop it,” he wrote.

Before the police issued their statement, Azure had earlier addressed the CID in a Facebook post, claiming the journalist’s arrest was linked to a video involving investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

He further demanded answers from the CID, including reasons for the continued detention and why the journalist had not been granted bail.

Police under fire over arrest and continued detention of journalist

“We are waiting for your statement on the detained journalist. Also tell us about his other ‘victims’ apart from the former NCA board chair.

“Sources close to him say he was questioned solely on the Anas video. Is there anything else he did, as alleged? And tell us why you haven't granted him bail,” he wrote.

MAG/MA

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