NDC insists law must take its course as Salomey Baffoe bail denied; rejects diversion claims

Ghana's opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has firmly rejected suggestions that the continued detention of Salomey Awiti Baffoe is being used as cover for broader government scandals involving narcotics trafficking. The party's Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Rashid Tanko Computer, emphasised Thursday that all legal proceedings must follow proper due process without political interference.

The High Court on Thursday turned down a bail application for Ms Baffoe after prosecutors argued she remained essential to ongoing investigations. The court noted the investigation centres on cyber-related matters and that releasing her would risk witness interference. Investigators have been directed to expedite their work.

The political backdrop

The case has become entangled in Ghana's broader political landscape, with Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe MP) characterising the detention as a "facade" designed to shift public focus away from recent cocaine trafficking controversies that have engulfed sections of government and security agencies. Such claims have prompted the NDC to publicly reassert its commitment to institutional independence.

Speaking on JoyFM's Top Story, Mr Tanko Computer rejected the diversion narrative, arguing instead that those making such claims are themselves attempting to evade legal accountability. "They want to run away from the law. The law is the law," he stated, underlining the party's position that institutions must be allowed to function without political pressure.

The NDC spokesman emphasised that the party would not tolerate interference in judicial or security operations, even amid political controversy. He defended the party's record on judicial independence, contrasting the NDC's approach with what he characterised as the previous government's approach to the courts.

Why it matters for Ghana

This row highlights a critical tension in Ghana's political system: balancing institutional independence with public confidence in governance during periods of scandal. The cocaine trafficking cases—which have implicated high-ranking officials and security personnel—have already shaken public trust. When opposition figures suggest high-profile criminal cases are being manipulated for political ends, it compounds scepticism about the neutrality of law enforcement and the judiciary.

The NDC's public statements serve a dual purpose: defending their party against accusations of undermining state institutions, whilst also signalling to international observers and Ghana's courts that they respect judicial autonomy. However, the fact that such clarifications are necessary suggests the public narrative around recent high-profile arrests remains contested and politically charged.

Mr Tanko Computer also warned individuals summoned for questioning that refusing to cooperate would result in legal pursuit. He reiterated that security agencies must be permitted to conduct investigations without interference, and that the NDC government—if elected—would uphold this principle.

Next steps

Ms Baffoe's case will continue through the courts as investigators work to complete their cyber-related inquiries. Whether her detention remains a flashpoint in Ghana's political debate will likely depend on how quickly the investigation concludes and what charges, if any, ultimately emerge. For now, the NDC's insistence on institutional independence suggests the party intends to weather this controversy by emphasising rule of law rather than engaging in the counter-accusations some political opponents have levelled.