CHRAJ debunks false social media claim linking Deputy Commissioner to Wontumi sentencing

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has dismissed as false reports circulating on social media claiming that its Deputy Commissioner, Ms Mercy Larbi, is the High Court judge who sentenced New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years' imprisonment.

In a statement issued by its Corporate Affairs and Communications Unit on Thursday, the Commission categorically denied the claim, stressing that Ms Larbi neither presided over the case nor had any involvement in the proceedings that resulted in Wontumi's conviction and sentence.

According to CHRAJ, a photograph of the Deputy Commissioner has been circulated on various social media platforms alongside false claims identifying her as the judge responsible for sentencing Chairman Wontumi.

The Commission described the publications as "false, misleading, and without factual basis."

It specifically cited posts by Facebook user Frank Mandela Bawumia and TikTok account blakk360, stating that the publications falsely associated Ms Larbi with the case. CHRAJ said it completely dissociates its Deputy Commissioner from the claims and urged the public to disregard them.

The Commission warned that the spread of such misinformation has the potential to mislead the public, undermine confidence in the country's justice system and unfairly expose Ms Larbi to unwarranted public criticism and reputational damage.

It therefore appealed to the public to refrain from sharing or reproducing the false publications.

CHRAJ also urged media organisations, bloggers, content creators and users of social media to verify information from credible and authoritative sources before publishing or sharing it.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity, independence and impartiality of Ghana's justice delivery system, adding that it would continue to discharge its constitutional mandate with professionalism, fairness and respect for the rule of law.