Ghanaian actress Akuapem Poloo has lost her appeal and will spend three months in prison for posing nude with her son on his seventh birthday.
Single mum Rosemond Brown, better known as Akuapem Poloo, was sentenced to three months behind bars in April this year after posing naked with her son in June 2020.
At the time, the ruling prompted many supporters like US rap star Cardi B to call the decision “harsh”.
The court in the Ghanaian capital Accra found the actress guilty of posting “obscene material” and “domestic violence”.
The June 2020 incident took place on her son’s seventh birthday and the image was shared on social media.
She later took down the photo and apologised, but the Ghanaian authorities decided to make an example of the star due to the perceived rise of obscene content in the country.
She was charged with publishing obscene material, carrying out domestic violence that undermined another person’s privacy or integrity, and domestic violence that could harm someone’s dignity and self-worth.
The three charges were ruled to run consecutively for a total of 90 days.
In April, Judge Christiana Cann said: “The court is bothered with posting nude photos on social media. There is no doubt that apart from the canker of rape, defilement, physical assault, the publication of obscene materials is on the increase.
“Did she ask for the permission of the child before posting the said picture? Did she respect the child’s rights? No she did not.”
Ms Cann added: “A harsh sentence will serve as a deterrent.”
The defendant’s lawyer Andy Vortia announced that an appeal would be filed on 19th April.
After the sentencing, US rap star Cardi B, 28, said on Twitter for her 18 million followers: “I seen a lot of Americans do photoshoots like that. Even tho is not my style I don’t think she was going for sexual more going the natural idea.
“I think jail is a bit harsh. Maybe social media probation or community service.”
After serving several days in prison before being released on bail pending the outcome of her appeal, the actress has now been told that she must complete the whole term.
Ghana’s Criminal Court 1 Division of the High Court dismissed the actress’ appeal on 1st December and she must now serve her sentence behind bars.
