The Ghana Police Service on November 23 2024, arrested suspect Oheneba Nana Asiedu, a Kumasi-based radio and television presenter, for offences including publication of false news contrary to section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The suspect is currently in Police custody and the case will be presented before the court for him to face justice.
This follows the circulation of a video on social media showing Oheneba Nana Asiedu making claims deemed misleading regarding the upcoming December 7 general elections.
https://twitter.com/GhPoliceService/status/1860304866310058269
According to the police, the video, recorded in the studios of Wontumi FM in Kumasi, depicts the presenter encouraging voters to cast their ballots for presidential candidates on separate days—a statement described by authorities as “false and likely to disturb public peace.”
Oheneba Nana Asiedu was earlier invited by the police to assist with investigations. A police statement confirmed that the case would be presented before the court for legal proceedings.
A separate statement highlighted the potential dangers of such misinformation during a politically sensitive period, stressing the critical role of accurate and responsible communication in maintaining public peace.
The Ghana Police Service has cautioned the general public, particularly media practitioners, about the serious implications of spreading unverified or false information.
WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE
https://youtu.be/2PN1wY2DwYM
Wontumi FM’s Oheneba Asiedu granted bail over false publication
Wontumi FM’s Oheneba Asiedu granted bail over false publication
Kumasi-based radio and television presenter Oheneba Nana Asiedu has been granted bail by the Ghana Police Service after his arrest on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
The arrest stemmed from charges of publishing false news.
Oheneba Nana Asiedu was invited by the Ashanti Regional Police Command on Friday, November 22, 2024, following allegations that he had encouraged voters to cast their ballots for presidential candidates on separate days during the upcoming December general elections.
The statement, which quickly spread on social media, was described by the Ghana Police Service as “false and likely to disturb the public peace.”
According to police, the misinformation had the potential to create confusion among voters and undermine public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
Electoral rules stipulate that voting for all candidates must occur on the same day, and the presenter's comments were flagged as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has also condemned the incident, emphasizing the importance of accurate information during elections to preserve peace and stability.
They have urged the public to rely on official sources for electoral updates.
The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a peaceful election and have cautioned the media against spreading unverified information.
Meanwhile, investigations into the matter are ongoing, with a focus on determining the intent and potential impact of the presenter's comments.
Oheneba Nana Asiedu is expected to report to the police periodically as part of his bail conditions.
—citinewsroom
Kumasi-based radio and television presenter Oheneba Nana Asiedu has been granted bail by the Ghana Police Service after his arrest on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
The arrest stemmed from charges of publishing false news.
Oheneba Nana Asiedu was invited by the Ashanti Regional Police Command on Friday, November 22, 2024, following allegations that he had encouraged voters to cast their ballots for presidential candidates on separate days during the upcoming December general elections.
The statement, which quickly spread on social media, was described by the Ghana Police Service as “false and likely to disturb the public peace.”
According to police, the misinformation had the potential to create confusion among voters and undermine public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
Electoral rules stipulate that voting for all candidates must occur on the same day, and the presenter's comments were flagged as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has also condemned the incident, emphasizing the importance of accurate information during elections to preserve peace and stability.
They have urged the public to rely on official sources for electoral updates.
The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a peaceful election and have cautioned the media against spreading unverified information.
Meanwhile, investigations into the matter are ongoing, with a focus on determining the intent and potential impact of the presenter's comments.
Oheneba Nana Asiedu is expected to report to the police periodically as part of his bail conditions.
—citinewsroom