'Miscarriage of Justice' - Lawyer Slams Court's Decision to Deny Wontumi TV Presenter Bail
Accra ,Ghana – 14 August, 2025 – The Accra Circuit Court has refused bail to Wontumi TV presenter Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare, who was arrested for allegedly making inflammatory remarks on-air. Asare claimed former President John Mahama was linked to the recent military helicopter crash that resulted in eight fatalities.
The court has ordered Asare to remain in police custody while investigations continue. Defence counsel Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah described the court's decision as a "miscarriage of justice" and announced plans to appeal the ruling at the High Court.
Asare's lawyer argued that his client met all the necessary requirements for bail, including having reputable sureties. Notably, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a shareholder of Wontumi Media, and Gordon Asare Bediako, a renowned broadcast journalist, were present in court and willing to stand as sureties for Asare. However, the court rejected the bail application, citing the need for further investigations.
The suspect was apprehended by police on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, following a broadcast in which he allegedly made unsubstantiated claims about the August 6 helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofoum District of the Ashanti Region. The crash resulted in the deaths of senior government officials and military personnel, prompting nationwide grief and a state funeral scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025.
During the court hearing on Thursday, August 14, 2025, the defence team requested bail for Asare, but the presiding judge rejected the application. The judge's decision was based on the need for further investigation, and the prosecution's concerns about the potential impact of Asare's comments on national security and public order.
After the court denied him bail, the TV Presenter was seen being escorted by police into a vehicle, where he stated, "Don't worry, it is nothing, I will be back stronger."
The court's decision to deny bail has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the role of the media in Ghana. The incident has also raised questions about the responsibility of media personalities to verify information before broadcasting it to the public.
Source – Lead News Online
