Court grants GH¢50,000 bail to blogger arrested over alleged false publication

The Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to blogger Samuel Amadotor of Dklassgh.net after he was arrested for allegedly publishing false information about the former National Communication Authority (NCA) Board Chair, Okatakye Boakye Danquah Ababio II.

The court approved bail set at GH¢50,000, with two sureties.

Amadotor has been charged with two offences: publishing false news intended to create fear and panic under Section 208(1) of the Criminal Offences Act (Act 29), and publishing false information contrary to Section 123 of the Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772).

Her Ladyship Evelyn Asamoah, who presided over the case, read the charges to him. The accused pleaded not guilty to both counts.

Following arguments from both prosecution and defence counsel, the judge granted bail, although the specific reasons were not disclosed.

His lawyer, Jerry Avenorgbo, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision after the hearing.

The case is expected to proceed as the trial continues now that Amadotor has been granted bail.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 20, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) confirmed that Amadotor was arrested with assistance from the National Signals Bureau (NSB) after Mr Ababio lodged a complaint.

According to the police, Amadotor admitted his role during questioning and alleged that a man identified as Chairman Michael Yeboah hired him to publish the false story.