Ghana’s famous dancehall musician, Shatta Wale, has pleaded not guilty to publishing false news on social media with the aim of causing fear and panic.
The music star appeared in court for the first time since he handed himself to police on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old was remanded in police custody for another week, while investigations continue.
On Monday, his personal assistant claimed that the musician had been shot and was receiving treatment at a health facility in Accra.
It generated a lot of anxiety among his fans on social media but turned out to be a hoax.
In a Facebook post later, Shatta Wale claimed he was on the run because his life was under threat.
He said that a pastor had made a prophecy that he will be shot, and the police failed to arrest the cleric.
The pastor has since also been arrested.
Shatta Wale is best known for his collaboration with Beyoncé on her Lion King album, which expanded his fan base across Africa and globally.
Lawyers say that if he is convicted he could be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison.
