Rights Accountability Network Africa (RANA) has raised concerns over the arrest, detention and prosecution of Salomey Awiti Bafoh, warning that the handling of speech-related offences could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Ghana.
In a statement dated September 30, 2026, the civil society organisation said its concern goes beyond whether Mrs Bafoh is ultimately convicted or acquitted, arguing that the manner in which the state exercises its powers could influence how ordinary citizens participate in political discourse.
RANA stressed, however, that freedom of expression does not place anyone above the law and acknowledged the state’s responsibility to investigate genuine threats, incitement to violence and conduct that meets the requirements of a criminal offence.
Mrs Bafoh has pleaded not guilty, and RANA said the allegations against her must ultimately be determined by a competent court based on the evidence.
‘Chilling Effect’
According to the organisation, Mrs Bafoh’s lawyers have alleged that she was arrested late at night at her home in Techiman and transported to Accra, with her family initially experiencing difficulty establishing her whereabouts.
The prosecution, on the other hand, alleges that she assisted in disseminating material it considers false and inflammatory and has raised concerns about witnesses and digital evidence.
RANA said the competing claims must be resolved through due process.
The organisation warned that arrests, detention, prolonged uncertainty and prosecution over speech could affect people far beyond those directly involved in criminal proceedings.
It said citizens who become uncertain about whether forwarding political material, supporting commentators or sharply criticising public officials could expose them to arrest might begin withdrawing from otherwise lawful political expression.
“That is the danger of the chilling effect,” RANA said, warning against inadvertently recreating a “culture of silence”.
Review Criminal Speech Laws
RANA consequently called for full respect for Mrs Bafoh’s constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence, access to counsel, personal liberty and a fair hearing within a reasonable time.
It also wants investigations concluded expeditiously and continued judicial consideration of whether reasonable bail conditions or other less restrictive measures could address concerns being relied upon to justify her detention.
The organisation further demanded clear guidance from prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies on when sharing, redistributing, financing or otherwise facilitating online content could result in criminal liability.
RANA also called for a broader national review of Ghana’s criminal speech laws, particularly Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, against Article 21 of the Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. RANA_Salomey_Statement
“Freedom must not exist only in the text of the Constitution. It must be felt in the everyday lives of the people the Constitution protects,” the organisation concluded.
