Court Remands Wontumi TV/ FM Presenter Over False Helicopter Crash Claims
A Circuit Court in Accra has remanded Wontumi FM/TV presenter, Emmanuel Kwakye Asare, also known as Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare, into police custody for making unverified claims about the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
The broadcaster is facing one count of publication of false news with intent to cause fear and panic, contrary to Section 208(1) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Prosecutors say that on his August 9 programme, Asare alleged that former President John Mahama had knowledge of circumstances surrounding the tragic crash.
“If your family member is part of those who died, you must hold President Mahama responsible because he is aware of everything,” he reportedly said.
According to court documents, the comments — later confirmed to be false — stirred public outrage and led to his arrest following intelligence gathered by police.
His lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah, made an oral application for bail, arguing that the accused could be tried while on release. But ASP Emmanuel Haligah, leading the prosecution, opposed the request, saying investigations were still ongoing.
Presiding judge, His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah, admitted that he had no strong reason to refuse bail, but cited judicial precedent in a previous case where he remanded a man who insulted then-President Akufo-Addo “to allow tempers to cool.”
Following that precedent, the court denied bail and ordered Asare to remain in custody until his next appearance on August 20, 2025.
Section 208(1) of Act 29 makes it a misdemeanour to knowingly publish false statements likely to cause fear, alarm, or disturb public peace.
