The Ghana Police Service has apprehended Oheneba Nana Asiedu, a well-known radio and television presenter based in Kumasi, for allegedly spreading false information. The arrest, which occurred on Saturday, 23 November 2024, is in connection to violations of Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
According to a statement released by the Police, Oheneba Nana Asiedu is currently in Police custody and will be brought before the court to face justice. The arrest stemmed from an investigation into a video circulating on social media, where the presenter, speaking at the studios of Wontumi FM in Kumasi, purportedly encouraged the public to vote for presidential candidates on different dates during the upcoming December 2024 general elections. The Police deemed this statement as false and potentially disruptive to public peace.
As part of ongoing investigations, the suspect has been instructed to report to the Ashanti Regional Police Command to provide further assistance in the case.
In light of this incident, the Police have issued a cautionary message to the public, especially media practitioners, urging them to exercise responsibility in the dissemination of information. The Police emphasized the importance of refraining from spreading false news that could incite public unrest before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.
The 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana are scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with the special voting exercise set for December 2, 2024. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including the media, to uphold ethical standards and ensure the accuracy of information shared with the public to maintain peace and integrity in the electoral process.
