The Accra Circuit Court has ordered prosecutors to file disclosures in the case against Emmanuel Kwakye Asare, a Kumasi-based journalist with Wontumi FM. Mr Asare, also known as Akyenkwa Nana, is a controversial journalist facing charges of offensive conduct and publication of false news with the intent to cause fear and panic.
The charges stem from a claim Akyenkwa Nana purportedly made on his programme, alleging that President John Dramani Mahama was responsible for the August 6 helicopter crash that killed eight people. He was arrested on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, by operatives of the national security at his residence in Ejisu.
He made his first appearance in court on August 14, 2025, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges of publishing false news.
However, on August 27, 2025, Mr Asare was granted bail in the sum of GH₵100,000 with two sureties, both of whom must be civil servants, after spending over two weeks in police custody. Akyenkwa Nana’s lawyer explains court proceedings. Speaking to the media, the accused’s lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, said that the judge had asked the prosecutors to submit their discoveries and all processes they intend to rely on in the ongoing case, which has been adjourned to September 29, 2025.
“We will be waiting for them to file. Don’t forget that the charge of causing fear and panic is what has been levelled against our client, and we will prepare when they serve us with the processes, and then defend the client,” he said.
While expressing optimism about securing victory for his client, Andy Appiah Kubi stated his only duty is to defend the charges and not lead evidence to Akyenkwa Nana’s innocence. “It’s not our duty to lead evidence to his innocence. Our duty is to defend the charges.
So, ours as lawyers is for us to challenge the petitions they take in the documentation and evidence, and ensure that they cannot always bring out evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard of proof that is required by criminal prosecution,” he said.
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