The National Investigations Bureau (NIB) has charged Kofi Nkansah with the offence of publishing false news over comments he allegedly made suggesting that an individual paid money to secure a government-funded scholarship to study abroad.
His lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour-Awuah, told the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (12 February) that Nkansah was invited by the security agency last week, cooperated fully with investigators and answered questions before being allowed to return home, but was later re-invited and subsequently charged.
According to the legal representative, the initial invitation followed directives from the Office of the President to investigate statements Nkansah made during a panel discussion on Sunyani-based television.
“They invited him, he went with me as his lawyer, and he answered all their questions,” Baffour-Awuah said.
He said Nkansah was again asked to report to the bureau earlier this week while attending to his ailing father in Kumasi. After negotiations over the reporting date, he presented himself on Tuesday, when investigators charged him and conducted a search of his home.
Baffour-Awuah said the expectation was that his client would be granted bail after the charge but instead he was detained temporarily for further interrogation.
“We were not even told where they were taking him after the search,” he said. “Later we were informed he had been detained for re-engagement and further investigations.”
The lawyer described the detention as unjustified, arguing that the alleged offence does not warrant custody.
“There is no offence in this country that is not bailable,” he said. “This is not something that justifies detention.”
He added that Nkansah appeared stressed during the process, partly due to concern about his father’s health, but is now in good condition.
On the substance of the allegation, Baffour-Awuah said his client had spoken cautiously during the televised discussion and did not disclose names or specific details because he feared potential repercussions for those involved.
“He treated it as an allegation and spoke about systemic issues,” he said. “These kinds of discussions happen frequently in political debates.”
The lawyer also raised concerns about information from the investigation appearing on social media, saying activities within a security agency are ordinarily confidential and leaks could undermine public confidence in the institution.
Nkansah is expected to report to the NIB again at noon as investigations continue.
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