Free Salomey now!’ — Women’s group gives Mahama 24 hours to act

On Tuesday, a group of women in Ghana staged a protest outside the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Car Park, demanding the immediate release of detained nurse Salomey Awiti Baffoe. The Ghana Women’s Movement led the demonstration, which was part of their "Women’s Voices Matter" initiative aimed at advocating for justice, equality, dignity, and the protection of women's rights.

Under the banner of the Ghana Women’s Movement, hundreds of women marched to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection where they presented a petition to Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister. The women's march also included supporters from various sectors of society, such as politics, markets, salons, dressmaking shops, offices, and more.

The focus of the protest was on Salomey Awiti Baffoe's case, whose detention has sparked public debate since her arrest for alleged connections to the anonymous "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account. Her legal counsel has challenged the continuation of her detention, while her family has denied any association with the account.

The women's group demanded President John Dramani Mahama to take action and secure Salomey's release, emphasizing the importance of women's ability to express their opinions and participate in public life without fear of intimidation or arrest. The movement also highlighted broader concerns about the increasing intimidation, arrest, remand, and imprisonment of women connected to exercising their freedom of expression.

The women called for the full implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, which includes provisions to increase women's representation and participation in decision-making.