ACCRA — New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has criticised the arrest and remand of Techiman-based nurse Salomey Bafoh Awiti in connection with investigations into the activities of TikToker Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof.”
In a statement on September 18, 2026, Dr Bawumia described the reported circumstances surrounding Awiti’s arrest as worrying and said intelligence agencies should not be used to pursue citizens over insults directed at the President or other public officials.
“This is not the Ghana we want to build,” Dr Bawumia said, adding that, if given the opportunity to lead the country, intelligence agencies would not be reduced to chasing citizens for insulting the President or anyone else.
His comments followed the remand of Awiti, a 40-year-old nurse, by an Adentan Circuit Court over allegations that she aided the publication and circulation of false news connected to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account. She pleaded not guilty to the charge of abetment of crime.
According to the Ghana News Agency, prosecutors told the court that Awiti allegedly assisted Kodua in disseminating videos and recruited other people to circulate the material on social media. The prosecution also alleged that financial transactions existed between the two women.
The Ghana Police Service separately said investigations had identified Kodua, who is based in the United Kingdom, as the alleged operator of the account and that she had been declared wanted. Police said the investigation concerns alleged publication of false news, inciteful comments and offensive conduct.
Dr Bawumia said he does not support insults in political discourse and urged political actors to maintain decorum. At the same time, he argued that restrictions on legitimate free expression could undermine Ghana’s democratic development.
He also questioned what he described as selective application of the law and called for Awiti and others facing similar charges to be released.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the accused have not been established as criminal responsibility. Awiti is expected to return to court on September 30, 2026.
