Kwabena Bobie Ansah, a presenter with Accra FM – a radio station affiliated to opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) – has reportedly been arrested and taken to the Nima Police Station in Accra late Thursday evening.
Confirming his arrest, the Class Media Group (CMG) posted a terse statement on Facebook:
A statement from the police on Friday (11 February) said: “Kwabena Bobbie Ansah of Accra FM was arrested yesterday, February 10, 2022, by the Accra Regional Police Command in connection with an alleged case of publication of false news and offensive conduct.
“His arrest became necessary after he turned down several invitations from the Police to him and others involved in the case to assist with investigation. The Accra Regional Police Command will issue a full statement on the matter in due course.”
A presenter at the media house, Odansini Odilia described the incident in Labone as an ambush.
She explained that on her way to the station to prepare for her show, “I saw one black car drive past. A second car, ash in colour, stopped by me and looked at me suspiciously. The last car is the one we met at the gate. That was when I asked passers-by about why the cars are moving around in such fashion only to find out that he (Kwabena Bobie Ansah) has been arrested.”
“It wasn’t the right procedure to arrest him. He was not rightfully arrested,” news portal Dailymailgh.com quoted her.
Bobie’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage among members of the opposition NDC who are calling for the immediate release of the broadcaster.
Earlier this week, another presenter with Power FM, Oheneba Boamah Bennie was jailed by a High Court in Accra over comments on Facebook deemed contemptuous.
He was slapped with a 14-day jail term and fined GHC3,000.
His employer, XYZ Broadcasting Limited said it was appalled by the development adding, it would challenge the ruling at a higher court.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Friday (11 February) to reflect the police statement.
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