Accra: Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, has been remanded for an additional week as he faces charges related to the publication of false news and offensive conduct. The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) appeared before an Accra Circuit Court and entered a plea of not guilty.
According to Ghana News Agency, Baffoe, 43, allegedly made statements on September 3, 2025, during an online program on Ohia TV called 'The Evidence.' He claimed that all strategic meetings held by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Akwatia were attended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Baffoe further accused the IGP, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohunu, of having a low Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and labeled him as the most foolish and corrupt IGP in Ghana's history. These statements were deemed malicious and potentially disruptive to public peace.
Baffoe is scheduled to reappear in court on September 19, 2025, with Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah presiding over the case. The courtroom was filled with party supporters who cheered Baffoe as he was escorted away by police in a van known as the 'Black Maria.' The heavy police presence included armed officers and additional personnel brought in for reinforcement.
In his ruling, the trial judge emphasized the need to curb the spread of insults in society, warning that unchecked behavior could tarnish the nation's reputation. The judge urged Ghanaians to unite against the politics of insults and called on political parties to take responsibility in curbing such conduct. He cited the words of Robert Mugabe, former President of Zimbabwe, to underscore the importance of balancing freedom of speech with responsibility.
Baffoe's defense team is comprised of prominent figures including Mr. Freddie Blay, former NPP National Chairman, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Alexander Afenyo Markin, Minority Leader, and Mr. Daniel Martey Addo. Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed dissatisfaction with the police's decision to keep Baffoe in the National Intelligence Bureau's custody instead of police custody, as ordered by the court. He argued for Baffoe's release on self-recognizance bail, citing his strong ties to Ghana and low flight risk.
Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, leading the prosecution, opposed the bail request, citing 'strong intelligence' gathered during investigations that suggested the accused's activities and videos posed national security concerns. Lawer argued that granting bail could allow Baffoe to interfere with ongoing investigations and potentially flee the country. He noted that Baffoe had allegedly sought asylum through letters to embassies, indicating a risk of absconding.
The case arose after the Ghana Police Service, the complainant, intercepted viral footage on social media showing Baffoe making statements intended to incite fear and panic. The video, which was also disseminated on Baffoe's TikTok account '@bawuniatv,' led to his arrest and subsequent forensic examination of the live-streamed content.