The Accra Circuit Court has explained the reasons behind its decision to deny bail to Bono Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, and order his continued detention.
Baffoe appeared before Judge Joseph Yennuban Kunsong on May 13, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace and publication of false news under Sections 207(1) and 208(1) of Ghana’s Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29).
During proceedings, prosecutors withdrew an earlier charge sheet filed on April 14 and replaced it with a fresh one dated May 12, 2026. The court subsequently granted the prosecution permission to amend the charges.
Lawyers for Abronye DC, Daniel Martey Addo and Eugene Ansah pleaded with the court to grant their client bail, arguing that he had previously been granted police enquiry bail of GH¢50,000 with two sureties and had consistently complied with all reporting requirements.
The defence team further argued that Abronye was not a flight risk and that refusing him bail could infringe on his constitutional rights, particularly his right to freedom of expression under Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution.
However, state prosecutors led by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye and ACP Alex Odonkor opposed the application, insisting that the accused allegedly committed the current offence while already on bail in a separate matter.
According to the prosecution, releasing him again could create the risk of further offences being committed. They relied on provisions under Section 96(5)(c) and (d) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1960 (Act 30), Section 208(1) of Act 29, and Section 296(4) of Act 30 to support their argument.
In delivering the ruling, Judge Kunsong stated: “The court is of the view that when granted bail, the accused will commit further offences. This court specifically relies on Section 96(5)(c) and (d) of Act 30 of 1960.”
The court subsequently refused the bail application and ordered that Abronye DC be remanded into the custody of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) pending his next court appearance on May 27, 2026.
Judge Kunsong also directed prosecutors to complete their investigations and file all disclosures within 14 days to ensure the matter proceeds expeditiously.
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Accra Circuit Court details reasons for Abronye DC’s continued detention
