Wilberforce Asare, Head of Legal and Political Desk at Asaase Radio, is set to face formal charges after weeks of police investigation into complaints lodged by the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF). The journalist described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
The charges, which include attempted extortion, threat of harm, and publication of false news, were filed by MIIF Chief Executive Justina Nelson and Communications Director Charles Benoni Okai. Asare, however, maintains that his investigative reporting on the Fund was accurate, noting that MIIF was consulted prior to publication and its feedback included in his stories.
Central to the case is an allegation that Asare tried to extort money from the MIIF CEO through intermediaries—a claim he strongly denies. He asserts that any offers purportedly made on Nelson’s behalf were rejected, and he has never met the CEO directly.
Regarding the threat allegation against MIIF’s communications director, Asare explained that it stemmed from a private conversation he suspected had been secretly recorded. He said his warning was conditional, based on the breach of trust, rather than a threat of harm.
Asare welcomed the decision to be charged, framing it as an opportunity to clear his name through due process. He also raised concerns about press freedom, warning that the case could be perceived as an attempt to intimidate journalists.
“If this is an attempt to gag journalists, then all of us journalists will accept the invitation,” he said, highlighting the broader implications for investigative reporting in Ghana.
The case is expected to reignite discussions on the criminalisation of disputes arising from investigative journalism in the country, especially in the post-criminal libel era.
