Jeffrey Epprim Nyame, a well-known Ghanaian blogger, has
been sentenced to a 30-day jail term by an Accra Circuit Court for the
publication of false news that incited public panic. The verdict was delivered
by Mr. Isaac Addo, who presided over the case, finding Nyame guilty of
spreading misinformation that led to panic withdrawals from bank accounts and
caused significant disruption within financial institutions.
Nyame, who has been on trial since last year, was charged
with publishing a false report on his news portal, reportghana.net, in October
2022. The report falsely claimed that dollar account holders would be forced to
withdraw cedis at Bank of Ghana (BoG) rates. The misinformation quickly spread
across social media platforms, including WhatsApp, leading to widespread fear
and panic among the public.
Despite appeals for leniency from Nyame and his lawyer, John
Baptist Ayitse, the court upheld a custodial sentence. Judge Addo emphasized
that such a punishment was necessary to deter the irresponsible use of social
media, stating, "The unchecked publication of false news is a growing
concern, and it’s time we crack the whip."
Nyame's actions not only disrupted public trust but also
caused tangible financial distress. The prosecution, led by Assistant
Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, detailed how the false news led
to panic withdrawals from banks, placing financial institutions under strain.
Meanwhile, co-accused Jeremiah Kobina Egyabeng, an IT
professional accused of abetting Nyame, was acquitted and discharged by the
court. Egyabeng was alleged to have created and managed the news portal used by
Nyame for the misleading publications. However, the court found insufficient
evidence linking Egyabeng to the act of spreading false information.
The sentencing has sparked widespread debate. While some
have lauded the decision as a necessary step in curbing the spread of
misinformation, others have expressed concern about potential impacts on
freedom of speech in the country. Critics argue that while the spread of false
news must be addressed, imprisoning individuals could have a chilling effect on
online journalism and discourage independent reporting.
Nyame's legal troubles began in late 2022 when he and
Egyabeng were arrested following an investigation prompted by the Bank of
Ghana. The investigation revealed that the news published on Nyame's platform
not only caused widespread panic but also had economic repercussions that
warranted immediate legal action.
The case has brought into focus the challenges authorities
face in regulating the dissemination of information online while balancing the
need to protect freedom of expression. As misinformation continues to be a
growing problem in the age of social media, the Ghanaian government's approach
to this case could serve as a precedent for future actions aimed at curbing
irresponsible use of digital platforms.
The sentencing serves as a reminder to bloggers,
journalists, and all social media users about the responsibilities that come
with the power to publish and share information. Judge Addo’s decision
underscores the importance of verifying facts before publication, highlighting
the potential dangers of unchecked false information in a society increasingly
reliant on digital news sources.
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Jeffrey Epprim Nyame, a well-known Ghanaian blogger, has
been sentenced to a 30-day jail term by an Accra Circuit Court for the
publication of false news that incited public panic. The verdict was delivered
by Mr. Isaac Addo, who presided over the case, finding Nyame guilty of
spreading misinformation that led to panic withdrawals from bank accounts and
caused significant disruption within financial institutions.
