Lawyer Enoch Afoakwa has defended his client, Mohammed Amadu Zakou, an NPP activist charged with spreading false information about Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. Zakou’s controversial social media post, which read “rest well,” was made after the Vice President’s medical leave announcement. Afoakwa asserts that the message was a genuine expression of goodwill and a prayer for her well-being during her medical treatment in the UK.
According to Afoakwa, the phrase “rest well” is commonly understood as a positive sentiment, wishing someone a peaceful rest. He emphasized that Zakou’s intentions were positive, highlighting that as a public figure, the Vice President deserves well wishes, especially considering her role is supported by taxpayer money. Afoakwa also clarified that the emojis accompanying the post, although open to interpretation, were explained by Zakou during questioning by the National Intelligence Bureau.
The lawyer expressed confidence that Zakou would be exonerated in court, urging the public not to jump to conclusions about social media posts without understanding the context. Zakou was arrested after the post but has since been granted bail. Afoakwa’s defense highlights the complexities of social media communication, where meanings can be misconstrued.
Zakou’s “rest well” message was made after the Vice President’s medical leave announcement. Afoakwa argues that the message was a genuine expression of goodwill and a prayer for the Vice President’s well-being.
Afoakwa emphasizes that Zakou’s intentions were positive, and the Vice President deserves well wishes as a public figure. The emojis accompanying the post were clarified by Zakou during questioning, according to Afoakwa.Zakou was granted bail after his arrest.
The case highlights the importance of understanding context in social media communication. As Afoakwa noted, “When you go to Google, it will explain ‘rest well’ to you. It doesn’t mean negativity.” The outcome of this case may have implications for how social media posts are interpreted and prosecuted in Ghana.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
