Crime & Punishment of Saturday, 13 September 2025

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

I treated NDC sympathizer, Wontumi journalists the same, Abronye not different - Judge

Abronye's case has been adjourned to Friday, September 19, 2025 Abronye's case has been adjourned to Friday, September 19, 2025

On September 12, 2025, Circuit Court Judge Samuel Bright Acquah remanded the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, into custody for the second time after denying him bail.

Abronye, who is facing charges of "offensive conduct," had his lawyers make strong arguments for his release during proceedings, but the court maintained its position and ordered that he remain in custody for one week.

FULL RULING: Why the Circuit court remanded Abronye DC for the second time

The case was adjourned to Friday, September 19, 2025.

In his ruling, Judge Acquah explained that while the charges were misdemeanours, the remarks attributed to Abronye had implications for national security and public order.

"It is always said that all persons are equal, but in practice, it is not so. Courtesy George Orwell in his book Animal Farm, one of the commandments is that all men are equal, but some are more equal than others. Translated into this case, all men are equal, but some are more equal than others," he noted.

Judge Acquah stressed that freedom of expression in Ghana must be exercised responsibly, cautioning that unchecked insults could "pollute society" and undermine national security.

Judge who handled Abronye's case not fit to remain on the bench – Oliver Barker-Vormawor

The judge defended his ruling by pointing to consistency in past cases.

"One of the codes of ethics for judges is that their decisions should be consistent. I have a case before me, The Republic v. Raphael Okai Ankrah, who appeared on May 16, 2023. He was an NDC sympathiser who openly insulted then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and was given a two-week remand.

"Just about two or three weeks ago, another matter came before me, The Republic v. Emmanuel Kwakye, a journalist from Wontumi TV, and he was also remanded for two weeks. So, under two different regimes, the court has been consistent, and the court does not see why it should deviate from that consistency," Judge Acquah explained.

The judge added that while criticism of policies is acceptable, direct insults against individuals in authority are not. Citing Section 96(5)(a) and (c) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, he said bail could be refused if there is a likelihood of the accused repeating the offence or failing to appear in court.

Judge Acquah ordered that Abronye be remanded into the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

The case will be recalled on September 19, 2025, when Abronye's lawyers are expected to renew their bail application.

Read the full ruling below:



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