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Claim: A viral press release circulating on social media alleges that Sierra Leone’s former president, Ernest Bai Koroma, passed away in Ghana on April 28, 2026.
Verdict: False! According to the National Publicity Secretary of the All People’s Congress Party, the viral press release is fake.
Full Text
A document widely shared on Facebook by Born 2 Blog suggested that the All People’s Congress (APC) had officially announced the death of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. The statement alleges that he died at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana, and includes what appears to be an official APC letterhead and signature.
The post has generated reactions from users, with many expressing shock, sadness, and confusion.
Given Ernest Bai Koroma’s status as a former head of state and a major political figure, such a claim has serious implications and requires verification. The post was also posted here and here.
Because of its potential to mislead, DUBAWA decided to verify the claim.
Verification
DUBAWA conducted checks to verify the claim’s authenticity. First, there has been no official confirmation from credible sources such as the Sierra Leone government, reputable media outlets, or verified APC communication channels regarding the death of Ernest Bai Koroma.
More importantly, Sidie Yayah Tunis, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, has publicly dismissed the claim as false. According to him, the former president is alive and well, currently in Abuja, Nigeria.
Further checks show inconsistencies in the viral document. While it mimics an official press release, there are noticeable formatting and language issues that raise doubts about its authenticity.
The viral statement also carries signs of AI-generated writing and formatting, which differ from the usual style and structure of official APC press releases. The language used appears unnatural and overly generic, unlike the normal communication pattern commonly issued by the APC National Secretariat. Also, the APC has not published such a statement on its verified platforms.
Conclusion
The claim that former President Ernest Bai Koroma has died in Ghana is false. Verified information from APC’s National Publicity Secretary confirms that he is alive and currently in Abuja. The viral press release is fake and should be disregarded.
