Senior Nursing Officer Salomey Awiti Baffoe has been granted bail of GH¢100,000 in a case in which she is accused of aiding the alleged publication of false news on social media.
The court ordered her release on two sureties, each of whom must be a civil servant earning a monthly salary of at least GH¢3,000.
Ms Baffoe, 40, has pleaded not guilty to the charge and had remained in custody as proceedings continued.
The case stems from allegations that Ms Baffoe was involved in the publication or circulation of information on social media which the prosecution considers to be false. She is accused specifically of abetting the alleged publication of false news, although the allegations are yet to be tested fully in court.
Her detention has generated concern among her family, who have appealed to the government to facilitate her release. The family says her continued absence is affecting her children, who are struggling without their mother.
The latest bail order follows an earlier attempt to secure her release, which was unsuccessful after prosecutors opposed the application.
At the earlier hearing, prosecutors argued that Ms Baffoe was still required to assist with ongoing investigations. They also raised concerns that her release could enable her to interfere with witnesses or otherwise affect the investigation.
The court subsequently declined to grant bail at that stage, leaving Ms Baffoe in custody as investigations and court proceedings continued.
Her case has also faced delays. Proceedings were adjourned to October 5 because the presiding magistrate was attending a judges and magistrates’ conference.
The adjournment meant that the prosecution could not proceed with the next stage of presenting its case as originally anticipated.
The latest bail decision now allows Ms Baffoe to leave custody once the required conditions have been satisfied. She will, however, be expected to return to court as the trial continues.
The prosecution is expected to continue presenting its case when the matter resumes, while the defence maintains that Ms Baffoe has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The court proceedings will determine whether the prosecution can establish the allegations against her. Until then, the charge remains an allegation and has not been established as fact.
Her release on bail does not bring the case to an end, and proceedings are expected to continue after the fulfilment of the conditions set by the court.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
