Asaase Radio’s Head of Legal and Political Desk, Wilberforce Asare, says he has honoured a police invitation to assist investigations into allegations of false publication and extortion levelled against him by the head of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), describing the claims as baseless.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (25 February), Asare said he was contacted by an officer from the office of the Ghana Police Service Inspector-General of Police on 17 February and asked to appear before investigators. The meeting, initially scheduled for 20 February, was later moved to 24 February at the request of his lawyers.
He said the petition by MIIF Chief Executive Mrs Justina Nelson alleges that several publications linked to him were false and produced without due diligence. The petition also claims an attempt to extort money from her through an intermediary.
“As far as the petition goes, they say there were several publications made by me that were false and that no due diligence was done,” he said. “There is also a claim of extortion through an intermediary, not directly.”
Asare denied all allegations.
During the interrogation, he said investigators presented a range of stories associated with him, including pieces he authored, opinion articles, investigations and external contributions published under his editorial supervision.
He maintained that any disputed publications fall within civil processes, not criminal investigations.
“If somebody says a story is not true, there is a place to prove that, and that place is not before the police CID,” he said, noting that rejoinders, retractions or defamation suits are established legal remedies.
Asare said the interaction with police was initially cordial but became tense when officers asked him to expand a written statement beyond a brief denial drafted on the advice of his lawyers. He declined and was subsequently granted bail without any charges being preferred.
He is expected to report back to the police next week.
The journalist added that the MIIF CEO has already filed a civil suit, and his lawyers have entered an appearance to respond in court.
On the broader implications, Asare said the case raises concerns about attempts to use criminal processes to address disputes arising from journalism, particularly in the absence of Ghana’s repealed criminal libel regime.
“Investigative journalism is not going to stop,” he said. “It is the only way to keep people accountable.”
While acknowledging reputational concerns, he argued that public officials must expect scrutiny tied to the offices they hold and should rely on lawful civil remedies if they feel aggrieved.
He added that attempts to involve the police in publication disputes risk creating a chilling effect but would not deter journalists.
“The police are partners of journalists,” he said. “Reporting a journalist to the police will not gag the media.”
Asare said he will cooperate with investigators and defend himself through legal channels if necessary.
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