An Accra Circuit Court has remanded Emmanuel Kwakye Asare, a 40-year-old broadcast journalist with Wontumi Multimedia, on charges of publishing false news with the intent to cause fear and panic in relation to the recent helicopter crash.
Asare, who pleaded not guilty, is accused of stating during a broadcast that families of the crash victims “must hold President Mahama responsible because he is aware of everything.” His lawyer, Mr. Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah, argued for bail, stressing that Asare was presumed innocent until proven guilty, had a fixed residence in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, and no reason to abscond.
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Prosecutor ASP Emmanuel Haligah opposed the application, citing ongoing investigations, and urged that any bail conditions ensure the accused’s presence at trial.
Presiding judge Mr. Bright Samuel Acquah referenced a precedent in which an accused who insulted former President Nana Addo was initially remanded before later being granted bail. He ruled that Asare should remain in custody due to the sensitive national mourning period and ongoing efforts to determine the crash’s cause, noting that the journalist’s remarks directly implicating the President were “causing panic and fear.”
The prosecution stated that the complainant is the Ghana Police Service and that Asare, host of the “Nsempafie” programme on Wontumi Radio, made the claims live on air on August 9, 2025, alleging President Mahama caused the Akrofuom helicopter crash. The comments, described as false, reportedly sparked public uproar.
Police intelligence led to Asare’s arrest on August 12. During interrogation, he admitted to making the statement in his caution statement. He is scheduled to reappear in court on August 20, 2025.
