A journalist Gordon Asare-Badiako has been banned from traveling by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
This development comes after Asare-Badiako was detained by the OSP on Wednesday, April 2, and later granted GHC5million bail.
At the center of the controversy is Asare-Badiako’s claim that Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng had requested a private jet from the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration for his use.
The OSP accused Asare-Badiako of false communication and publication, stemming from a comment he made on Wontumi Radio.
Asare-Badiako’s detention sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the detention was an attack on press freedom with accusation that Kissi Agyebeng was exhibiting dictatorial tendencies.
Speaking after his release, Asare-Badiako stated that he had instructed his lawyer to explore legal avenues against the OSP.
“I have instructed my lawyer to go through the books and find out where I could sue the OSP for wrongful detention because I am not sure the OSP has the mandate to request a journalist to give a source,” he said.
“I was referred to a statement I made on Movement TV about two weeks ago that the OSP had at a point in time requested from government a private jet to facilitate his operations since he was a higher risk personality,” Asare-Badiako explained.
“I confirmed making such a statement on air based on my sources within government. They said my claim meant I was impugning corruption on the OSP which I vehemently disagreed.”
Asare-Badiako argued that the OSP’s actions were unwarranted and exceeded its legal authority.
“At best, the OSP could say that I have maligned him… he could go on a civil way with me or… go out for retraction and apology,” he explained.
Asare-Badiako recounted the events leading up to his arrest, stating that he had received a call from an OSP officer requesting a conversation.
“So I went there on my own volition around 2 pm with the understanding that we were going to have a conversation since that wasn’t the first time as a journalist I was having an informal conversation with security officials and capos,” he said to Citi Fm.
After his arrest, Asare-Badiako was granted bail by the OSP in the sum of GHC5 million with two sureties.
“I was put on a GHC5m bail bond with two sureties. Fortunately, I managed to satisfy all the requirements as two close pals came to my rescue and I was set free to return Friday, 4th April 2025,” he said.
