Wontumi FM journalist freed on bail after 2 weeks in custody
Relief for Family as Kumasi Journalist Emmanuel Kwakye Asare Granted Bail
Elohim Nyame 
Emmanuel Kwakye Asare, a journalist with Kumasi-based Wontumi FM, has been granted bail after spending two weeks in police custody.
The journalist was released on Tuesday following a successful bail application filed by his legal team. Though details of the charges against him remain unclear, sources indicate his arrest stemmed from comments made during a recent radio programme.
Asare’s detention sparked concern among media practitioners and press freedom advocates, who described it as a worrying development for Ghana’s democratic space. Several organisations, including the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), called for his immediate release, insisting that any grievances about his work should have been addressed through the National Media Commission rather than the criminal justice system.
His family also expressed relief at his release, saying the two-week detention had taken a heavy emotional toll. “We are grateful he has been granted bail. It has been a difficult period, but we trust the legal process will ensure justice is served,” a relative said.
Media watchers say Asare’s case adds to growing concerns about the harassment of journalists in the line of duty. Ghana’s press freedom ranking has come under scrutiny in recent years, with reports of arrests, threats, and physical attacks against journalists.
Asare is expected to reappear before court at a later date as the case proceeds. Meanwhile, advocacy groups are urging authorities to ensure his trial is conducted fairly and without undue political influence.
