Ghana Police Uncover 'Ghana Jollof' TikTok Network; Senior Nurse Remanded Amid Growing Political Tensions

The Ghana Police Service has intensified its crackdown on the 'Ghana Jollof' TikTok operations, declaring UK-based personality Barbara Asantewaa Kodua wanted for alleged incitement of violence and the spread of false news. The investigation recently led to the arrest and remand of Salomey Awity Baffoe, a senior nursing officer, who is accused of abetting the operation by redistributing offensive content and managing financial transfers from the UK. Baffoe, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of abetment of crime, is currently in custody as authorities work to dismantle what they describe as a network designed to incite public unrest and fear. Police report that forensic evidence suggests Baffoe played a central role in circulating videos and disbursing funds to other local collaborators.

The arrest has ignited a fierce political debate regarding the boundaries of free speech and the use of state power. Barbara Asantewaa Kodua has dismissed the charges as political persecution, claiming Baffoe is being targeted because of her husband's ties to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Speaking from the UK, Kodua has dared the Ghanaian government to attempt extradition, asserting that international authorities would recognize the case as politically motivated. This sentiment was echoed by the NPP Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, who cautioned the Mahama administration against using state institutions to target citizens for social media commentary, reminding the government that "power is transient" and urging respect for due process.

Adding to the pressure on the government, Akosua Manu, an advisor to NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has appealed directly to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to intervene. Manu emphasized Baffoe’s role as a mother of three and urged the Vice President to use her influence to protect the rights of women and families from perceived state overreach. Conversely, legal experts like former Tamale Central MP Inusah Fuseini have defended the police action, arguing that the investigation does not infringe on constitutional free speech rights because the law does not protect activities that incite panic or violate criminal statutes.

Political science lecturer Dr. Joshua Ebuntie Zaato has advised President John Mahama to stay closely informed on the developments, warning that the case could negatively impact the President’s legacy if it is perceived as an attempt to stifle dissent. Zaato suggested that Mahama should ensure the case is handled with transparency to protect his image as a democratic leader. As the police continue to search for other members of the alleged network, the case remains a significant test for the current administration’s approach to digital discourse and national security.

Salomey Awity Baffoe is scheduled to reappear in court on September 30, 2026. While the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has clarified that the allegations do not amount to treason, the legal proceedings are expected to set a major precedent for how Ghana manages the intersection of political dissent and public order in the digital age. The government maintains that while free speech is protected, threats against public officials and the dissemination of false news that incites alarm will continue to face legal consequences.