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November 11th , 2024

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ACCRA COURT JAILS BLOGGER JEFFREY NYAME FOR 30 DAYS OVER MISINFORMATION LEADING TO BANK PANIC

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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.

 

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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