Mills expresses concern over radio commentator's remand

Accra, Feb.19, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills, on Friday expressed concern over a two-week remand custody handed out by a court to a radio commentator, whose pronouncements on a radio talk show attracted some public reaction that could have led to a breach of the peace.

President Mills in assuring the citizenry of his unflinching respect for the rule of law and the principles of separation of powers and the independence of the Judiciary; stressed the need for a balance between responsible citizenship and the right to free expression. "The judiciary has a huge responsibility in promoting this balance in the nurturing of democratic governance," President Mills said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Information.

President Mills reiterated his belief in good governance, the rule of law and his commitment to creating a better Ghana with opportunities for all within an environment of unfettered protection of the citizen's rights to free expression.

The statement signed by Mr. James Agyenim-Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information, reminded the public to exercise their rights responsibly. Nana Darkwah Baafi, a social commentator, on Thursday appeared before an Accra Circuit Court, for alleging that former President Jerry John Rawlings was behind the Valentine's Day fire outbreak at his official Ridge residence.

Nana Darkwah, who was charged with publication of false news at Top Radio station with the intent to cause fear or alarm among the public, pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Mr. C.A. Wilson remanded the accused into police custody to re-appear on Wednesday, March 03. Deputy Superintendent of Police E.Y. Frimpong prayed the court to remand the accused person to ensure his safety.

Arguing for bail, Mr. Kwame Akuffo, the lead counsel, said what his client said should not cause fear or alarm among the public who thronged to the premises of the radio station.

He said it was those who thronged the station to cause harm that should be arrested.

The court however remanded Nana Darkwah which caused a stir among sympathisers who thronged the 28th February Courts (Cocoa Affairs Courts). The sympathisers shouting "text message" repeatedly, hooted at the police personnel on three police vehicles as well as the trial judge. The complainant was Mr. Kofi Adams, Spokesperson for former President Rawlings.

The facts before the court are that Nana Darkwah on Thursday was a panel member on a discussion programme at Top Radio in Accra during which the host raised the issue on the recent fire outbreak at former President Rawlings' residence. During the discussion, Nana Darkwah was alleged to have stated that "former President Rawlings intentionally caused the fire outbreak to compel the State to relocate him and his family". The statement angered most of the listeners to the programme compelling some of them to rush to the precincts of the station to attack the host and panellists on the programme. The police were informed and rushed to the station to protect lives and property during which the panellists were whisked away to safety. When Nana Darkwah was interrogated at the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters, he admitted the offence and asked for forgiveness. 19 Feb. 10