Takoradi woman fined over GHC 7,000 for pregnancy and kidnapping hoax
Josephine Panyin Mensah, who was at the centre of the fake pregnancy and kidnapping hoax has been fined GHC7,200.
The Takoradi Circuit Court A sentenced her for the publication of false news to cause fear and panic to the public.
Mensah, who is now pregnant, could have spent a maximum of three years in jail but for her current condition.
It was established in court during the trial that Josephine Panyin, whose alleged kidnapping case caught national attention, was never pregnant or taken hostage as initially alleged back in September 2021.
Justice Michael Ampadu said the prosecution was able to establish that the accused feigned the act of kidnap and pregnancy because she could not bear the shame of communicating her initial miscarriage to the husband.
“What will make a woman go through all the stress of walking from Takoradi to Agona Nkwanta and continued on foot to Axim bearing all the risks in mind… I think families must begin to support women, especially when they get miscarriage because it is a natural act,” the judge said.
