Former Tamale Central Member of Parliament (MP), Inusah Fuseini, has said Ghana’s constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression should not be used to justify conduct that investigators believe may breach the law.
Mr Fuseini said the ongoing investigation involving content associated with the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account should be assessed on the specific conduct being investigated, rather than framed solely as a debate over freedom of expression.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, September 19, 2026, he said the constitutional right to free expression was not absolute.
“People are conflicting the right to free speech with what she’s doing. She has no right to do what she’s doing. Even the Constitution says so,” he said.
His comments follow the arrest and remand of senior nursing officer Salomey Awity Baffoe over her alleged involvement in the dissemination of content produced by UK-based TikTok operator Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”.
The Police allege that Ms Baffoe assisted in recruiting individuals to redistribute videos produced by Ms Kodua and that financial transactions linked to the activities were identified during investigations.
She has been charged with abetment of crime, to wit, publication of false news, and has pleaded not guilty.
Mr Fuseini said the focus of the investigation should therefore be on whether the conduct under investigation falls within an offence recognised by law.
“What is the police investigating? Are they investigating insults? Is that what they are investigating? They are investigating the spread of false news,” he said.
He further argued that the mere dissemination of false information does not automatically constitute a criminal offence, but noted that publications capable of causing fear or panic could attract legal scrutiny.
“It’s not a crime in Ghana to spread false news. It’s not a crime. But what are we talking about? The police should not investigate false news, which is likely to cause panic, fear and panic in society,” he said.
Mr Fuseini also raised concerns about the broader use of social media, particularly where political disagreements are involved.
He warned that conduct justified on political grounds could potentially have consequences if similar practices were directed at other individuals.
“I’ve never watched the videos of what I hear people talk about. I hear people talk about it. I’ve never watched it because it will corrupt my morals. I don’t stand for it,” he said.
“You see, why do you not relate? Do you not think that somebody can do it to other people just in the name of politics? That’s what worries me,” he added.
The Police have said their investigation covers alleged publication of false news, inciting comments and offensive conduct involving the “Ghana Jollof” account.
Investigators are also seeking to identify other persons allegedly involved in distributing the content and its alleged financial sponsors.
Ms Baffoe is expected to reappear before the Adenta Circuit Court on September 30, 2026.
