A broadcast journalist with Movement TV, Gordon Asare-Badiako was detained by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) under contentious circumstances.
The OSP accused Asare-Badiako of false communication and false publication, stemming from a comment he made on Wontumi Radio, alleging a private jet demand by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng.
According to reports, Asare-Badiako stated that the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, had requested the state to purchase a private jet for his use.
This allegation sparked a swift response from the OSP, leading to Asare-Badiako’s arrest.
The OSP’s swift action has raised concerns about press freedom in Ghana.
Gordon Asare-Badiako, a political talk show host, has been a vocal critic of the government and its officials.
His arrest has sparked fears that the OSP’s actions may be motivated by a desire to silence critics rather than uphold the law.
After his arrest, Asare-Badiako was granted bail by the OSP in the sum of GHC5 million with two sureties. The sureties, Wilberforce Asare of Asaase Radio and Peter Ankomah of Daily Dispatch Newspaper, were required to sign a bond to ensure Asare-Badiako’s appearance in court.
As part of his bail conditions, Asare-Badiako is required to report to the OSP every two weeks.
He is also prohibited from traveling outside the country without the explicit permission of the OSP.
The incident has sparked a debate about the role of the OSP and its powers to arrest and prosecute individuals.
