The Accra High Court has ordered Kwame Baffoe, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and known as Abronye DC, to be held in police custody. This decision was made because Mr. Baffoe failed to follow a court order. He was required to give his passport to the court registry as part of his bail terms.
Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Bassit presided over the case on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The court rejected a request to change the bail condition. The judge stated that Mr. Baffoe showed “flagrant disrespect” for the court. The court cannot ignore actions that defy its orders.
Mr. Baffoe is currently facing charges for publishing false news and offensive conduct. These charges stem from statements he allegedly made about a Circuit Court judge. The prosecution believes these statements were untrue and could cause people to lose trust in the judiciary.
Abronye DC’s lawyer, Daniel Martey Addo, had asked the court to adjust the passport requirement. He explained that Mr. Baffoe’s passport was with the United Kingdom High Commission in Ghana. He provided a receipt to show this. Mr. Addo also argued that Mr. Baffoe needed his passport for educational pursuits in the UK, starting June 14, 2026. He mentioned potential travel for health reasons as well.
However, Principal State Attorney Joshua Sackey argued against the application. He stated that bail conditions are mandatory. Mr. Baffoe was granted bail on May 21, 2026. The prosecution pointed out that the UK High Commission received his passport on May 25, 2026. This was four days after his bail was granted. This implies he had the passport but did not submit it as ordered.
The court initially granted Mr. Baffoe bail on May 21, 2026. The bail sum was GHS 100,000 with two sureties. Additional conditions included reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) every two weeks. He also had to surrender his travel documents and seek court permission before leaving Ghana.
This case highlights the importance of adhering to court orders. For political figures and public officials, such breaches can have immediate legal and reputational consequences. The court's firm stance sends a clear message about the seriousness of complying with judicial directives, especially in high-profile cases. The incident may also impact perceptions of the NPP's leadership and its adherence to legal processes.
The legal proceedings will continue, with the court closely monitoring compliance with its orders. Mr. Baffoe’s legal team might seek further diplomatic channels or reapply for bail variations depending on the passport's release timeline from the UK High Commission.