An Accra Circuit Court has declined a bail request for Wontumi Multimedia journalist Emmanuel Kwakye Asare, citing the sensitive nature of the national tragedy surrounding the August 6 military helicopter crash.
Asare, 40, who hosts the “Nsempafie” programme on Wontumi Radio, is accused of publishing false news with intent to cause fear and panic after allegedly stating on air that “if your family member is part of those who died, you must hold President Mahama responsible because he is aware of everything.”
Presiding Judge Bright Samuel Acquah said the statement, which directly implicated the President in the deadly crash, risked deepening public tension at a time when the nation and the world were mourning. Drawing parallels to a previous case involving alleged insults against former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the court noted that public tempers were still high, and it was prudent to remand the accused until emotions cooled.
Prosecutors, led by ASP Emmanuel Haligah, told the court the claim was unfounded and had generated public uproar. They opposed the bail application, arguing that investigations were still underway. Police say Asare admitted to making the comment during interrogation but acknowledged it was false.
Defence counsel Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah argued that his client had strong ties to Ghana, a fixed residence in Ejisu, and no intention to flee. However, the court maintained that the impact of the broadcast on public order outweighed these considerations for now.
Asare is to remain in lawful custody until his next court appearance on August 20, 2025, as investigators continue probing the circumstances of the statement and its potential effects on public peace.
