Blogger arrested for publishing fake news granted GH¢50K bail
An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to blogger Samuel Amadotor of Dklassgh.net, who was arrested for allegedly publishing false information about the former Board Chair of the National Communication Authority (NCA), Okatakye Boakye Danquah Ababio II.
He was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with two sureties.
Amadotor faces two charges: publication of false news with intent to cause fear and panic, contrary to Section 208(1) of the Criminal Offences Act (Act 29), and publication of false news, under Section 123 of the Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772).
The charges were read by the presiding judge, Her Ladyship Evelyn Asamoah.
He pleaded not guilty to both counts.
After hearing submissions from both the prosecution and defence, the court granted the accused bail, though the ruling did not specify the reasons behind the decision.
His lawyer, Jerry Avenorgbo, welcomed the court’s ruling and expressed satisfaction after proceedings.
The case will continue as the trial resumes following Amadotor’s release on bail.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Thursday, November 20, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said Amadotor was arrested with support from the National Signals Bureau (NSB) after a complaint was filed by Mr Ababio.
According to the police, Amadotor admitted to the offence during interrogation and claimed that one Chairman Michael Yeboah had contracted him to publish the false content.
