Kumasi-based journalist convicted of incitement

Yussif Abdul Ganiu, a journalist with Kumasi-based Zuria FM, popularly known as “Nshola,” has been found guilty by the Asokwa District Court in Kumasi for making inciteful comments likely to breach public peace, graphic.com.gh has said.

The District Magistrate Judge, Afia Densi Asare-Kyire, delivered the judgment against Ganiu on charges of offensive conduct conducive to breaching public peace.

The prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorney Kwabena Amponsah Asare, provided video and documentary evidence that proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the facts presented, on April 20, 2021, Ganiu, without provocation, used unprintable words against Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan, the CEO of Alpha Radio, an Islamic Scholar, and a philanthropist, during a live radio broadcast on Zuria FM and a simultaneous Facebook stream.

Ganiu accused Ridwan of appropriating public and community property and called on Zango youth to rise and reclaim what he claimed belonged to them, the report said.

Additionally, Ganiu instigated the Kumasi Muslim community against Ridwan and urged them to boycott Alpha Radio for allowing the preaching of all faiths.

After examining the evidence, the court rejected Ganiu’s plea and fined him 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢6,000, or a three-month prison term if he defaults.

Ganiu was also ordered to retract his comments on the same platform and sign a bond to maintain good behavior at all times.

“I am exonerated. This is all that I wanted the court to do for me,” said Sheikh Ridwan in a brief interview with the Daily Graphic reporter after the court proceedings.

He emphasized that his FM station is open to everyone, regardless of their faith, and that radio should be a platform to unite people, not tarnish reputations.