An Accra Circuit Court has remanded broadcast journalist Emmanuel Kwakye Asare, 40, of Wontumi Multimedia, into lawful custody over allegations that he published false news connecting President John Dramani Mahama to the recent fatal helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
Prosecutors say Asare, while hosting the “Nsempafie” programme on Wontumi Radio on August 9, 2025, made a statement to the effect that: “If your family member is part of those who died, you must hold President Mahama responsible because he is aware of everything.”
According to the prosecution, this pronouncement was false and had caused alarm within a section of the population at a time when the nation was in mourning and investigations into the crash were ongoing.
Plea and bail application
Charged with publication of false news with intent to cause fear and panic, Asare pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah, argued that the journalist was presumed innocent until proven guilty and should therefore be granted bail.
Counsel told the court that Asare, a resident of Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, lived with his wife and six children and had no allegiance to any country other than Ghana.
He insisted the accused was not a flight risk and would stand trial.
Prosecution’s opposition
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Haligah opposed the bail request, citing ongoing investigations.
He argued that if the court was inclined to grant bail, conditions should be stringent enough to ensure Asare’s attendance at trial.
Judge’s ruling
Presiding Judge Bright Samuel Acquah referenced a past case in which an accused who allegedly insulted former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was initially remanded before being granted bail once tempers had cooled.
In this case, the judge said, the helicopter crash had plunged both Ghana and the international community into mourning, and efforts to determine the cause were still underway.
Asare’s comments, he said, sought to implicate the President in the tragedy and were capable of “causing panic and fear.”
The court, therefore, denied the bail application and ordered that Asare remain in custody until his next appearance on August 20, 2025.
Arrest and admission
ASP Haligah told the court that Asare’s arrest on August 12, 2025, followed police intelligence operations.
During investigations, the journalist allegedly admitted to making the statement in his caution statement.
