NPP's Mohammed Zakou Granted GHC100K Bail Over Vice President's Fake Facebook Death Post

Accra, Ghana - 14 April, 2025 - The Achimota Circuit Court has granted bail to Mohammed Zakou, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist, after he was arrested for allegedly spreading false information about Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's death.

Zakou was taken into custody on Saturday, April 12, following a Facebook post that read "Rest Well Her Excellency" with crying emojis, which authorities interpreted as a false announcement of the Vice President's passing.

The Vice President had been reported unwell, but government communication did not confirm her death. Zakou's post sparked concerns, leading to his arrest and charge with communicating false news.

 Zakou claimed his post was a gesture of goodwill, according to prosecutors.

Zakou's lawyer, Gary Nimako Marfo, a seasoned legal counsel who has represented notable figures like Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah, applied for bail on Monday, April 14, without facing opposition from the state. Although the state didn't object to the bail request, they did ask the court to set conditions that would guarantee Zakou's presence at the trial.

The court ultimately granted bail, setting a bond of GHC 100,000 with two sureties, and ordered Zakou to report to the investigator on a weekly basis 

The case has been adjourned to May 12, 2025, for a case management conference.

Zakou's release on bail allows him to prepare for his trial, while the court continues to examine the circumstances surrounding his Facebook post.

Source: Lead News Online