Mohammed Amadu Zakou, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist, is facing accusations of publishing false news concerning the Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. However, his lawyer, Enoch Afoakwa, has come forth to clarify the intentions behind Zakou’s controversial social media post.
On April 4, 2025, Ghana Insider monitored a post shared by Zakou urging the Vice President of Ghana to “Rest Well.” His Facebook post read as: “Rest Well Her Excellency”, accompanied by crying emojis. However, authorities interpreted his post as a false announcement of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s death. This post coincided with the government’s announcement that the Vice President had been advised to seek medical care in the United Kingdom.
In light of these incidents, Zakou was arrested but later released on bail. He was granted bail by the judge in the sum of hundred thousand Ghanaian cedis (GH¢ 100,000) with two sureties.
On the other side, Lawyer Enoch Afoakwa argued that Zakou’s message was a heartfelt prayer aimed at promoting the Vice President’s well-being and recovery.
Afoakwa articulated that the phrase “rest well” was misinterpreted and did not signal any negative implications. “When you go to Google, it will explain ‘rest well’ to you. It doesn’t imply anything negative,” he stated during an interview on Accra-based radio station, Asempa FM.
The lawyer also mentioned that the interpretation of the “crying emojis” used in the post could vary, and subjected to legal interpretations, thus he chose not to delve deeper into them. He went ahead to state that upon interrogation by the NIB, his client explained the exact meaning of the emojis.
According to Afoakwa, Zakou’s intentions were purely benevolent, urging the public to view the message in a positive light rather than assume malice. “He meant well for our Vice President because she is our national asset supported by public funds,” he asserted.
As the legal proceedings continue, Afoakwa remains confident that his client will be vindicated. He called for a broader understanding among Ghanaians, emphasising that not every expression should be viewed negatively. “We should understand that not everything should be viewed negatively,” Afoakwa urged.
Ghana Insider News will keep you updated on any new developments surrounding Mohammed Amadu Zakou and his case.
