Akosua Manu, Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has appealed to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to intervene in the case of Salomey Awity Baffoe, a mother of 3, who is in police custody. Ms. Manu made the appeal in a social media post on Friday, September 18, 2026. She expressed concern over Salomey's arrest, which occurred ahead of a long weekend, leaving her children, including a four-year-old, without their mother.
According to Ms. Manu, Salomey was allegedly taken from her home around midnight by persons who identified themselves as national security operatives. The incident has generated public debate over the actions of state security agencies and concerns about free speech. Ms. Manu urged the Vice President to use her office to help secure Salomey's release, citing her position as Ghana's first female Vice President and Chairperson of the Police Council.
Ms. Manu emphasized that Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's roles carry responsibilities beyond their symbolic significance. She argued that women who occupy influential positions should be willing to speak out when the rights and welfare of other women become matters of concern. Ms. Manu also pointed to instances where she believes the Vice President's silence on issues affecting women has been disappointing.
The appeal comes amid continuing public discussion surrounding the arrests of women allegedly linked to the “Ghana Jollof” account, with questions being raised about the balance between law enforcement activities and the protection of citizens' rights. Ms. Manu cited the contested removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the arrests and detention of women over social media activities, and Salomey's case as examples of developments that have generated concerns among women.
Ms. Manu's appeal highlights the complexities surrounding the case and the perceived heavy-handedness of state security agencies. The incident has sparked concerns about the limits of state power and the protection of individual rights, particularly in the context of social media activities. As the debate continues, many are watching to see how the government and its officials respond to the situation.
The case has also raised questions about the impact on Salomey's children, particularly her four-year-old child, who is now separated from her mother. Ms. Manu's appeal emphasizes the human aspect of the case and the need for a resolution that balances the need for law enforcement with the need to protect individual rights and family well-being.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are awaiting the Vice President's response to Ms. Manu's appeal. The outcome will likely have implications for the protection of citizens' rights and the balance between state power and individual freedoms in Ghana. The case has generated significant public interest, with many calling for a peaceful and equitable resolution.
Key points
- Akosua Manu appeals to Naana Jane to use her influence to free Salomey Sun, a mother of 3, detained over alleged links to the "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account.
- The incident has generated public debate over the actions of state security agencies and concerns about free speech in Ghana.
- The case raises questions about the balance between law enforcement activities and the protection of citizens' rights, particularly in the context of social media activities.
