A 38-year-old man, Michael Owusu, has been charged with publication of false news with intent to disturb public peace, contrary to sections 208(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) and section 123 of the Electronic Transactions Act 2008 (Act 772).
He was arrested, detained, and arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court 10 after allegedly posting a video on his TikTok account claiming that a sachet of Special Ice bottled water contained a razor blade, and cautioning the public to be vigilant when consuming products from the market.
The accused, however, maintains that he genuinely bought a pack of Special Ice sachet water and discovered a razor blade in one of the sachets. He said he shared the video on TikTok out of shock and concern to alert the public.
The prosecution argues that the publication was likely to cause fear and alarm to the public, constituting an offence under the law. Section 208(1) of the Criminal Offences Act states that a person commits a misdemeanor if they publish or reproduce a statement, rumour, or report likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or disturb public peace, knowing or having reason to believe it is false.
During the trial at the Accra Circuit Court 10, counsel for the accused, Lawyer Raymond Quaye, cross-examined the first prosecution witness (PW1), who is the complainant and also the Sales and Marketing Manager of Special Ice Mineral Water, Mr. Edem Kugbe.
The cross-examination, which lasted nearly an hour, revealed details about the company’s production process and the possibility of errors, including human error, occurring during production.
The second prosecution witness (PW2) is expected to testify on 22 June 2026, when the case resumes for hearing.
Lawyer for the accused, Raymond Quaye, expressed confidence that the prosecution may struggle to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The Circuit Court, presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Evelyn Asamoah, adjourned the case to 22 June 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
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