Abronye was denied bail over risk of reoffending-Ruling

The Circuit Court 9 judge who remanded Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, says bail was refused because the court was satisfied he could commit further offences if released.

The reasoned ruling, delivered by His Honour Joseph Yennuban Kunsong, was released six days after the initial remand decision.

Abronye DC is facing charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace and publication of false news.

He has pleaded not guilty.

His lawyers had asked the court to grant him bail, arguing that he had already been admitted to police enquiry bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with two sureties.

They said he had honoured police invitations and was not likely to abscond.

The defence also argued that the charges had not been proven and that keeping him in custody would violate his constitutional rights, including his freedom of expression.

They relied on Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution and the Supreme Court decision in Martin Kpebu v The Republic.

But the prosecution opposed the bail application.

Prosecutors told the court that Abronye was already facing a similar charge before another court.

They also argued that the alleged offence was committed while he was on bail.

On that basis, they said releasing him again could create a risk of further offending.

The prosecution relied on Section 96(5)(c) and (d) of the Criminal and Other Offences Procedure Act, Act 30, which allows a court to refuse bail where there are reasonable grounds to believe an accused person may commit another offence while on release.

The court agreed with the prosecution.

In the ruling, the judge said he had considered the arguments from both sides and was convinced that granting bail could expose the accused to the risk of reoffending.

The court therefore refused bail and ordered that Abronye DC be remanded into BNI custody pending trial.

The prosecution was also directed to file disclosures within 14 days to allow the case to proceed quickly.

The matter has been adjourned to May 27, 2026.

The ruling has triggered political debate.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the decision, saying the court wrongly applied the law on bail.

His comments, including a statement that he would “continue to disrespect” the judge, have sparked renewed discussion about judicial independence and the limits of political criticism of court decisions.