A 41-year-old trader based in Kumasi, Berlinda Bosompimaa, has been arraigned before the Circuit Court in Accra for allegedly publishing false information on social media, claiming that top government officials from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) were plotting to assassinate Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
Berlinda Bosompimaa, who trades in mobile phones at Santasi, in Kumasi, was charged with one count of publication of false news, contrary to Section 76(1) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). She pleaded not guilty before the presiding judge, His Honour Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah.
The court granted her bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with two sureties, and adjourned the case to July 17, 2025.
The judge also granted an application by the prosecution to extract digital evidence from the accused person’s mobile phone, which is currently in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
Allegations and Arrest
According to the brief facts presented by Chief Inspector Jacob Maalo Kuubal, the accused operates a TikTok account under the name @ben ben, where she allegedly made a series of defamatory posts.
Among the claims was that Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah and unnamed NDC officials were plotting to poison the Vice President.
This claim, among others, intercepted by the NIB in late June, 2025 were deemed not only false, but also potentially harmful to national security. Surveillance was placed on Berlinda Bosompimaa and she was subsequently arrested in Kumasi on June 26, 2025.
During interrogation, she reportedly admitted to posting the content, but claimed it was merely mimicry of videos initially posted by other TikTok users with the handles – “Ghana Jollof Still Osama” and “Obaa Tiwah Vimpower”.
Bail Hearing
Prosecution opposed the bail application, citing Section 97(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, arguing that the accused could interfere with ongoing investigations, particularly by deleting the controversial posts.
They also stated that a search warrant had been sought ex parte to extract digital evidence from her iPhone. However, the defense, led by Counsel Enoch Afoakwa, strongly objected to the remand application.
He argued that the accused had already been in custody for over 90 hours, a clear violation of the constitutional requirement to present a suspect before a court within 48 hours of arrest, as stipulated in Article 14(3)(b) of the 1992 Constitution.
Mr. Enoch Afoakwa hinted that Bosompimaa is a single mother of two children aged 12 and 14 years, has no criminal history and is not a flight risk, noting that she does not possess a passport or hold dual citizenship.
He emphasised that her continued detention would negatively impact her children’s welfare, especially given her role as their sole caregiver and her mother’s ailing health.
He emphasised the constitutional presumption of innocence and the need to protect the rights of the accused while allowing the state to continue its investigations.
Court Ruling
After hearing both sides, the court ruled in favour of the defense and granted bail.
The case has been adjourned to July 17, 2025, by which date the prosecution is expected to file disclosures and exhibits.
The matter remains under investigation and the authorities have not ruled out further arrests or charges related to the alleged dissemination of false information on social media.
Source: Thechronicle
Discussion about this post