ASEPA’s Executive Director granted bail after false news charge
In Court, he pleaded not guilty to two criminal charges of publication of false news and offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace. He is also to report to the Teshie District Police Command at least twice a week.
The Executive Director of the Alliance For Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), has been granted a GH¢50,000 bail with two sureties by the Kaneshie District Court.
Mr. Mensah Thompson was detained by police yesterday and charged with the publication of false news following allegations he made on Facebook, that members of the president’s family travelled with the presidential jet for shopping in the UK.
In Court today, he pleaded not guilty to two criminal charges of publication of false news and offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace. He is also to report to the Teshie District Police Command at least twice a week.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Ebenezer Tei Okuffo, told the Court the Facebook post of the accused had the potential of inciting the youth against the family of President Akufo-Addo.
When quizzed by the Magistrate, His Worship, Oheneba Kuffuor, Mensah Thompson told the court that he “did not intend to cause malice or breach the peace with his post but only sought accountability”.
The case has subsequently been adjourned to March 10, 2022.
In his post last month, the ASEPA boss also demanded explanations from the National Security, Ghana Armed Forces and the Defense Ministry over the use of the presidential jet.
The Ghana Armed Forces in a January 9, 2022 press release signed by the Acting Director, Public Relations, Commander Andy La-Anyane, dismissed the allegations, describing it as a ‘calculated effort to undermine the image of the Ghana Armed Forces in the eyes of the general public.’
Mensah Thompson however retracted and offered an apology relative to the claims he had made.
