Gospel singer Brother Sammy arrested over ‘HIV cure’

A popular Ghanaian gospel musician, known as Brother Sammy, has been arrested for allegedly advertising products claiming to cure HIV.

In a series of videos posted on social media, he said his product, known as Spiritual Divine Holy Water, could cure HIV and that he had healed more than 50 people.

The singer, whose real name is Samuel Opoku, also said he produced around 50 bottles a day.

But Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) says it has not approved the product for sale.

Many herbalists in Ghana have made similar claims of having a cure for HIV but none has been approved by the authorities.

Brother Sammy is a household name in Ghana’s second largest city, Kumasi, and his songs include the 2017 track Amen:

He has been granted bail and is expected to appear in court later this week.

BBC Africa, Accra