The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has been remanded in police custody for one more week by the Accra Circuit Court.
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The move follows legal proceedings that began early this week after his arrest in connection with allegations of “offensive conduct conducive to the breach of public peace” and the “publication of false news.” He is scheduled to reappear in court on 19 September 2025.
What Led to the Remand?
Abronye DC’s detention stems from recent remarks attributed to him on television, where he allegedly made statements about the conduct and attendance of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) at certain political gatherings. Among the charges is that he claimed all strategic meetings of the opposition party (NDC) held in Akwatia included the IGP in attendance. He is also accused of describing the current IGP as “the most corrupt in the country’s history.”
When he first appeared in court on 9 September 2025, he was denied bail and remanded for the week. The court cited the need for further investigations, including reviewing video evidence and verifying the statements he made. Counsel for Abronye pleaded for bail on the grounds that he has strong social, economic, and political ties in the country, and that he would not flee justice. The prosecution, however, opposed bail, claiming that releasing him might interfere with the investigations.
Court’s Ruling and Duration
Judge Samuel Bright Acquah presided over the case, agreeing with the police’s request to extend Abronye’s detention to allow for a forensic review of videos and other materials connected with the allegations. This one-week remand extension means he will return on 19 September 2025 for further hearing.
Political Reactions and Accusations
The case has drawn public attention not only because of the charges against Abronye DC, but also due to his own actions in seeking political asylum in eight countries—namely, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Germany, and Côte d’Ivoire—alleging threats to his life and political persecution.
Prominent members of the NPP have gathered outside the court in solidarity, including former party officials and high-ranking leaders. These supporters have criticized the Ghana Police Service for what they describe as unfair treatment, arguing that Abronye’s arrest and detention reflect political pressure and suppression of dissent.
Legal Charges Explained
Abronye DC faces two main charges:
- Publication of false news — For allegedly making unverified statements regarding the IGP’s presence at political meetings.
- Offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace — For remarks deemed inflammatory and a potential threat to public calm.
He has entered a plea of not guilty to both counts. The law requires careful judicial scrutiny of cases of speech and publication, especially when public peace is implicated. Judge Acquah emphasized that freedom of speech must be balanced with responsibility and gave a stern warning that when citizens fail to set appropriate standards, the court may step in.
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Abronye’s remand has stirred debates about free speech, political expression, and the limits of criticism in Ghana. Many view it as part of a broader trend of tension between political parties and state institutions, especially when criticism is directed at security officers or public officials.
The situation raises core questions: How much freedom should political figures have to criticize public institutions? What legal boundaries exist for political commentary? And how transparent must investigations be when such commentary results in criminal charges?
- Abronye DC remains in police custody until his return to court on 19 September.
- The court will assess the video and other evidence presented by the prosecution.
- Legal arguments regarding bail, freedom of speech, and political persecution are likely to be central in the upcoming hearing.
