Manhyia South MP and counsel for Ms Bafoh, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has stepped up its support for detained senior nursing officer Salomey Awiti Bafoh after the High Court in Accra refused her application for bail in the controversial “Ghana Jollof” case.
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh led members of the Caucus and Ms Bafoh’s defence team to court on Thursday, September 24, as the application was heard virtually.
The High Court refused bail, citing the cyber-related nature of the ongoing investigation and concerns about possible interference with the investigative process. The court, however, directed the state to expedite its investigations.
Defence Disagrees With Ruling
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Manhyia South MP and counsel for Ms Bafoh, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, said the defence respected the court’s decision but disagreed with the basis for keeping his client in custody.
He said the defence was not responsible for delays surrounding the hearing and argued that the police charge sheet suggested that investigations directly involving Ms Bafoh had substantially progressed.
Mr Baffour Awuah further argued that investigators had already seized his client’s phones, questioning how she could delete evidence contained on devices no longer in her possession.
The prosecution has maintained that investigations are continuing, including efforts to identify other persons allegedly involved in redistributing the videos. Police have publicly stated that investigations remain underway to locate other alleged participants and financial sponsors.
Appeal Planned
Mr Baffour Awuah disclosed that Ms Bafoh’s family had instructed the legal team to appeal the refusal of bail.
He said the defence would also petition the Chief Justice for an expedited hearing, including the possibility of the Court of Appeal sitting during the judicial vacation because the matter concerned the liberty of a detained person.
The defence has also drawn attention to Ms Bafoh’s responsibilities as a mother of three minor children, arguing that her continued detention was having consequences for her family.
Mr Baffour Awuah said the legal team would pursue available lawful avenues to secure her release pending trial.
The ‘Ghana Jollof’ Case
Ms Bafoh is facing a charge of abetment of crime in connection with the alleged publication and circulation of false news attributed to UK-based TikTok personality Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”. She has pleaded not guilty.
Police allege that Ms Bafoh acted as a liaison for Ms Kodua and helped recruit other persons to redistribute videos through social media. Investigators also allege that some of the content contained statements capable of provoking violence. These allegations have not been established by a court.
Ms Kodua has separately been declared wanted by the Ghana Police Service in connection with the investigation.
Ms Bafoh remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty and is expected to reappear before the Adentan Circuit Court on September 30, 2026.
