Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has said the intention behind the Ghana Jollof videos is an important issue in determining whether the conduct falls under the laws being cited in the case.

Bernard Baidoo said he was not making a final determination on whether Barbara Asantewaa Kodua or anyone linked to the account committed an offence.

“For me, whether she actually did it or not is not what I’m determining,” he said on Newsfile on JoyNews.

“But if what we are hearing is the case, then for me she comes under 207 and 208.”

He said the issue of intent was particularly important.

“Because, you see, in truth, if you say that there is a group and you had the video, I don’t know why she did that,” he said.

“But what was the intent? To create fear and panic. And so 207 captures this.”

Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act concerns threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in circumstances where a breach of the peace is intended or likely to occur. Section 208 deals with publishing or reproducing false statements, rumours or reports likely to cause fear and alarm or disturb the public peace.

Bernard Baidoo said this was why he did not see anything wrong with the police inviting or arresting someone for investigation if there was reasonable suspicion that an offence had been committed.

“And for me, there is nothing wrong with, if you are arrested or called or invited to assist with police, investigate such an offence, if any,” he said.

His comments followed the police investigation into the Ghana Jollof TikTok account.

Police have alleged that videos linked to the account contained false and inciting statements, including an alleged claim about a near coup at Jubilee House.