Ghanaian blogger, Jeffrey Epprim Nyame, has been sentenced to a 30-day jail term for publishing false news, a move aimed at cracking down on the spread of misinformation on social media.
Nyame, found guilty by an Accra Circuit Court, was whisked away in handcuffs after Judge Isaac Addo rejected pleas for mercy.
Judge Isaac Addo reiterated the need to avoid misinformation and disinformation causing fear and panic.
“The unfettered publication of false news on social media has created fear and panic among the public,” Judge Addo said.
“It is time to crack the whip and serve as a deterrent to others who abuse social media to spread misinformation.”
Nyame’s lawyer, John Baptist Ayitse, had pleaded for clemency, citing the blogger’s youth and willingness to learn from his mistakes.
“He has pledged not to repeat the offence,” Ayitse said.
However, Judge Addo remained unmoved, insisting on a custodial sentence.
The prosecution, led by ASP Seth Frimpong, argued that Nyame’s false article, published on October 27, 2022, caused widespread panic and disruption to financial institutions.
According to the prosecution, the article, titled “Dollar account holders to get cedi at BoG rate for bank withdrawal effective 31st Oct?”, was circulated on various WhatsApp platforms, creating fear and panic among the public.
The prosecution argued that the false news caused bank customers to resort to panic withdrawals, creating a difficult situation for financial institutions.
“The publication of false news has serious consequences, and we must take action to prevent it,” Frimpong said.
Judge Addo added that as Nyame begins his 30-day sentence, the case serves as a warning to others who spread misinformation on social media.
“This should serve as a deterrent to those who think they can publish anything without consequences,” Judge Addo said.
The latest case highlights the importance of collaboration to deal with misinformation.
Barely a month ago, The Ghana Report organised The Ghana Report Summit to tackle misinformation and disinformation.
The Ghana Report Summit brought together top-notch experts, including policymakers, technologists, civil society organizations, thought leaders, and media professionals, to delve into comprehensive strategies to combat the menacing problems with tentacles of propaganda, deepfake, and conspiracy theories in election periods.
H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was the special guest at The Ghana Report Summit, hosted by His Royal Majesty Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.