In a significant development, the Adenta Circuit Court has remanded a 30-year-old laundry attendant, Ahmed Hassan Abdul Razzaq, into police custody for allegedly disseminating false information designed to cause fear and panic among the public. The case highlights the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of social media platforms to spread unverified and potentially harmful content.
Razzaq is accused of posting a video on his TikTok account, @breakingnewsghana, in which he alleged that two military officers were conspiring to assassinate former President John Dramani Mahama. The video, published on January 20, 2026, named two individuals, Sergeant Amoh and Sergeant Joseph, as the purported conspirators involved in the alleged plot. The Ghana Police Service, serving as the complainant in this case, subsequently initiated investigations that led to Razzaq's arrest on January 21, 2026, at Adjiringanor in the Greater Accra Region.
The court has not yet taken Razzaq’s plea but has ordered his remand in police custody until his next court appearance on February 9, 2026. Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo is leading the prosecution in the case.
During investigations, Razzaq admitted in his caution statement to creating and sharing the video. He claimed that he had never met the named officers personally and that his actions were prompted by a post he had stumbled upon on social media alleging the assassination plot. However, he was unable to provide investigators with the source or evidence of the alleged post that inspired his publication.
The case underscores the critical need for responsible use of social media platforms. False information, especially when it involves serious allegations against individuals or institutions, has the potential to undermine public trust and disrupt societal harmony. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to holding individuals accountable for spreading misinformation that can incite fear or panic among citizens.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sharing unverified information online. It also highlights the importance of exercising due diligence before disseminating content that could have far-reaching implications for individuals and national security.
Razzaq’s remand into custody reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating this matter. The outcome of the proceedings will likely set a precedent for similar cases in the future, as Ghana continues to grapple with the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and responsible when consuming or sharing information online. In an era where social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, verifying facts before publication is not just a legal obligation but also a moral imperative.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
