The Accra Circuit Court has extended the remand of Bono Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye, for another week to allow the police more time to pursue investigations tied to the charges against him. He is scheduled to return to court on September 19, 2025.
Abronye faces two charges: publication of false news and offensive conduct deemed likely to breach the peace. His first remand was on September 9, 2025, following his initial court appearance.
The case stems from comments Abronye allegedly made during a television discussion. He is accused of claiming that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) held strategic meetings in Akwatia attended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). He is also said to have described the current IGP, Tetteh Yohuno, as the “most corrupt” in the country’s history. Abronye has pleaded not guilty.
The court hearing drew large crowds of NPP supporters. Senior party figures such as former Chairman Freddie Blay, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and National Youth Organiser Henry Nana Boakye were all present.
During proceedings, counsel for the accused, Afenyo-Markin, urged the court to grant self-recognizance bail, arguing that his client had strong social, economic, and political ties and was unlikely to abscond. He emphasized that Abronye had a permanent residence and would face the charges responsibly.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing sensitive intelligence and additional video material connected to the accused that allegedly touch on national security. Prosecutors argued that releasing him could jeopardize the investigation and requested a two-week remand to complete forensic analysis of the evidence.
Before delivering his ruling, the presiding judge, Samuel Bright Acquah, stressed the limits of free expression. “Freedom of speech goes with responsibility, and if the citizens do not set standards for themselves, the court will do that,” he said, according to Graphic Online. He further urged political leaders and citizens to resist inflammatory rhetoric. “We should put in place policies to check the politics of insult,” he added.
The judge then ordered Abronye to remain in police custody until his next appearance on September 19.
