The Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Akosua Manu has appealed to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to use her influence to help secure the release of Salomey Awity Baffoe, the woman currently in police custody over alleged links to the anonymous “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
Salomey, a mother of three was allegedly taken from her home around midnight by persons identifying themselves as security operatives in a move that has since sparked widespread condemnation of the state security apparatus criminalization of free speech.
In a post on her social media handles on Friday, September 18, 2026, the former Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA) appealed to the Vice President to use her office to demand the release of Salomey.
“Your Excellency, this is one of those moments when power must count. I respectfully appeal to you: intervene within the lawful powers available to your office and government. It is a long weekend. Monday is a holiday. Somewhere, a four-year-old child is waiting for his mother. Use your influence for good. Speak up. Ask the difficult questions. Let Salomey go home to her children’” she wrote.
She noted that Prof. Naana Jane’s position as Ghana’s first female Vice President and Chairperson of the Police Council carried significance beyond the symbolism of having women at influential decision-making tables.
According to her, women who attain positions of authority must be prepared to speak when the rights and welfare of other women come under question.
“Professor Jane Naana, what do you want your legacy as Ghana’s first female Vice President to be?” she asked, recalling what she described as moments when many women had expected to hear the Vice President’s voice but were let down by her deafening silence.
Akosua Manu cited the contested removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the arrests and detention of women over social media activities, and the current case involving Salomey as instances that had raised concerns among women.
She said the Salomey case was particularly significant because she is a mother of three, with a four-year-old child who, she noted, is now waiting for his mother.
The appeal adds to growing public outrage surrounding the arrests of women allegedly linked to the “Ghana Jollof” account, with questions being raised about the balance between law enforcement and the protection of citizens’ rights.
