A Kumasi-based radio presenter with Wontumi FM, Emmanuel Kwakye Asare, has been released on bail after spending two weeks in police custody over allegations of spreading false news.
Asare, who was arrested on August 12, 2025, is facing a charge of offensive conduct for allegedly publishing false information intended to cause fear and panic.
The court on Wednesday granted him bail in the sum of GH₵100,000 with two sureties, both required to be civil servants. His legal team is currently working to complete the bail formalities. He is expected to reappear before the court on September 1, 2025.
The case stems from a claim Asare made on air, alleging that former President John Dramani Mahama had foreknowledge of the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that killed eight people.
Prosecutors opposed the bail request, arguing that investigations were still ongoing. However, Presiding Judge Samuel Bright Acquah dismissed their objection, stating that there was no justification to keep the journalist in custody. He drew comparisons to a previous case in which a suspect was remanded for allegedly insulting then-President Akufo-Addo.
