'Ghana Jollof' case: Bawumia's condemnation of nurse's arrest is hypocritical – Akwatia MP

Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako Baidoo has criticised former Vice President and 2028 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia over his call for the release of Techiman-based nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh.

Bafoh, a 40-year-old senior nursing officer and mother of three, was arrested on September 13 and later charged with abetment of crime, specifically the alleged publication of false news, under Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The prosecution alleges that she acted as a liaison for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”, and helped recruit people to redistribute videos from the TikTok account. Kodua, who is believed to be in the United Kingdom, has been declared wanted by the police.

The Adenta Circuit Court denied Bafoh bail and remanded her for two weeks, with the case expected to return to court on September 30.

Reacting to the development in a social media post on Friday, September 18, Dr Bawumia described the circumstances surrounding Bafoh's arrest and subsequent remand as worrying and raised concerns about the protection of free speech.

Dr Bawumia further assured intelligence agencies will not be used to pursue citizens merely for insulting political leaders under his presidency.

He also noted that while he does not support political insults, any infringement on the right to free expression would undermine Ghana's democracy.

However, speaking on Accra-based Metro TV's Good Morning Ghana on the same day, Bediako Baidoo accused the former Vice President of applying a different standard to the current case despite his record while in government.

He argued that Dr Bawumia, as a former Vice President, had the opportunity to influence how similar cases were handled but did not do anything.

“When you[Dr. Bawumia] had the power to change things, you didn't do it. Now you are outside. You are now throwing stones and then appearing as though you are a saint. Be truthful,” he said.