The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has described as “ridiculous” the charges filed against its member, Salomey Awity Baffoe.
The Adenta Circuit Court 1 has remanded Baffoe, a Senior Nursing Officer, into custody for two weeks over her alleged connection to the TikTok handle Ghana Jollof, a platform known for criticising government officials.
Her detention comes following her arrest during ongoing investigations targeting individuals suspected of operating or assisting the social media page.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Philimon Gyapong, the National Public Relations Officer for the GRNMA, noted that the charges levelled against the nurse and the refusal to grant her bail make no legal sense. He stated that allegations of conniving with the operator of the page to overthrow the government sound far-fetched and overstretched.
According to him, the GRNMA is demanding justification for holding the senior nurse. He explained that counsel for the accused made every effort to secure bail, but the application was denied. The association expressed surprise at the outcome, noting that state authorities themselves informed the court that the primary individual operating the page is based in the United Kingdom.
Mr Gyapong added that it is troubling that the 40-year-old mother of three remains in custody while the main suspect is abroad, calling the situation unfair and unfortunate.
The development follows mounting controversy surrounding the late-night arrest of the nurse at her home in Hansua, within the Techiman Municipality. Reports indicate that three individuals presenting themselves as National Security operatives stormed her residence around 11:30 p.m. on 13th September and led her away.
Mr Gyapong revealed that the GRNMA is currently in a crunch meeting over the matter and will take decisive action.
He stated categorically that the senior nurse has no criminal record, is not a flight risk, and possesses a solid track record as a health professional. Consequently, holding her in custody violates her fundamental human rights.
“The nurse is not a flight risk. She has no criminal record for which she should be refused bail. She is a hardworking nurse, married and with children, with the last born only four years old. Charging her with aiding and abetting is a misdemeanour offence; hence, refusing her bail is ridiculous. They could always locate her and bring her to court, but the judge refused on grounds that investigations were still underway. We are disturbed and wondering why this has happened. So we are currently in a crunch meeting and will communicate our position on the matter. Alleging that she wants to overthrow a government sounds alarming. She has no capacity or ability to overthrow a government.”
He added that the GRNMA will use all available legal means to appeal the refusal to grant her bail.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana