‘We can live with insults, but not incendiary language’ – Kwakye Ofosu

Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has stated that the government can handle criticism and insults directed at President John Mahama, but will not tolerate incendiary language that could incite violence or breach public order. This comes in the wake of the arrest and remand of senior nursing officer Salomey Awiti Baffoe, 40, for allegedly publishing false news through the "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account.

Ms Baffoe has pleaded not guilty to charges of abetment of crime for publishing false news, under Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960. Prosecutors allege that she served as a liaison for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, known as "Ghana Jollof," and helped spread videos produced by her, recruiting others to redistribute the content.

In an interview on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, Kwakye Ofosu was asked whether sharing such content warranted Ms Baffoe's arrest and two-week remand. He affirmed that disseminating incendiary content is indeed an offense, and reiterated that the law enforcement will step in if someone helps spread such statements. "If somebody says, 'I will overthrow the government', then you help disseminate that. The law enforcement can pick you up. There is nothing wrong with what they have done," he said.

He emphasized that the government is not concerned about vulgar language or personal attacks, but with statements that could incite violence or threaten public order. "We do not fear criticism" Kwakye Ofosu reiterated, stressing that his government is capable of taking criticism and does not aim to suppress individuals merely for expressing negative views about the President or his administration.

Regarding Ms Baffoe's alleged connection to the "Ghana Jollof" account, Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged that investigations have established a link between her and the account, with investigators finding strong evidence supporting her involvement in spreading the content. He maintained that the claim of Ms Baffoe's innocence is not true, citing the substantial evidence gathered by the investigative agencies.