The Director-General of Criminal Investigations Department, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, has disclosed that forensic investigations have uncovered financial links connected to the circulation of videos associated with the Ghana Jollof account. Speaking at a media briefing, she indicated that mobile phone records, audio material and mobile money transactions have provided investigators with information on the movement of funds between persons linked to the case.
The CID explained that investigations into the online activities identified Barbara Asantewaa Koduah, popularly known as Ghana Jollof, as the alleged operator of the TikTok account. She noted that the account has been used to publish material the police considers offensive and capable of causing fear, alarm or provoking violence.
COP Donkor disclosed that investigators examined mobile devices belonging to persons connected to the case to establish relationships and communication patterns. She further revealed that audio interviews obtained by the police supported their findings concerning the relationship between the two women.
“Investigations have also proven, through the examination of her phone and its content, that the two are close friends,” she disclosed. The CID indicated that the evidence gathered from the devices would form part of the material presented before the court.
Another significant aspect of the investigation concerns alleged financial support for the activities under review. COP Donkor explained that mobile money records show transfers from persons described by investigators as influential to Salomey Awiti Bafoh, who allegedly passed portions of the funds to others involved in circulating the material.
The CID revealed that Barbara, who is based in the United Kingdom, allegedly remitted money to Salomey in Ghana. According to the investigation, portions of those funds were subsequently distributed to individuals involved in redistributing the videos through different social media platforms.
COP Donkor indicated that investigators have also identified other persons suspected of financially supporting the online activities. She disclosed that information retrieved from phones and other forensic material helped the police trace those links.
“We know all those including high-profile persons within our society who are funding them,” she stated. The CID added that the identities and related evidence would be subjected to the appropriate legal process.
The investigation therefore extends beyond the two principal suspects as police work continues to identify other persons allegedly involved in the distribution network. COP Donkor confirmed that the relevant forensic records, transcripts and financial information would be tendered in court as investigations progress.
CID Warns Online Users As Investigations Expand Into Sponsors
The Director-General of Criminal Investigations Department, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, also cautioned members of the public to exercise greater responsibility in their online engagements as investigations into the Ghana Jollof case continue. She stressed that digital platforms do not place users outside the reach of Ghana’s criminal laws.
The CID explained that the police investigation is still seeking to identify other individuals who allegedly participated in redistributing the videos under scrutiny. She noted that investigators are also working to establish the identities and whereabouts of persons suspected of providing financial support.
COP Donkor indicated that the investigation benefited from collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the National Signals Bureau. She explained that the joint effort contributed to the identification and arrest of Salomey Awiti Bafoh, who was subsequently placed before court on a charge of abetment of crime.
The CID emphasised that investigations remain active despite the arrest already made. She disclosed that police officers are pursuing additional persons who may have participated in the distribution of the material or supported the activities financially.
“Investigations are continuing to identify and locate other persons who participated in the redistribution of these videos, as well as the secret financial sponsors, to be brought to book.”
COP Lydia Donkor
Addressing online conduct more generally, she reminded the public that certain publications and actions on digital platforms can attract criminal liability. The CID specifically referenced the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772) and the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
COP Donkor consequently called for greater care in public discourse, particularly when individuals use social media to publish or circulate information. She stressed that users should ensure their online activities comply with existing laws.
The warning comes as authorities continue investigating material they allege contains false or offensive content capable of causing fear and alarm. The CID’s position is that online activity remains subject to the same legal standards governing conduct outside digital platforms.
Meanwhile, the police have indicated that evidence gathered from mobile devices, financial records and other investigative sources will support the ongoing proceedings. COP Donkor noted that investigators would continue working with relevant institutions and the public as they pursue outstanding aspects of the case.
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