By Nadia Ntiamoah
Chants of “Free Salomey now!” echoed through parts of Accra on Tuesday, September 29, as a group of women took to the streets to demand the immediate release of Salomey Awity Baffoe, whose continued detention has triggered growing public concern.
The women, participating in the “Women’s Voices Matter” demonstration, converged at the AMA Park before marching to the premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), where they continued their calls for what they described as justice and fair treatment for the 40-year-old nurse.
The demonstrators subsequently gave President John Dramani Mahama 24 hours to act, with protesters chanting, “John Mahama, free Salomey!” and “We are tired of John!”.
The demonstration became highly emotional at several points, with some participants seen crying as they demanded answers over Salomey’s continued detention and called on the authorities to intervene.
Salomey’s detention becomes rallying point
Salomey Baffoe was arrested during a midnight operation at her residence in Hansua in the Techiman Municipality of the Bono East Region on Sunday, September 13.
Her detention followed investigations into allegations connected to social media content. The case has subsequently entered the courts, with prosecutors arguing that investigations were still ongoing.
On Thursday, September 24, the High Court declined a bail application filed on Salomey’s behalf.
The prosecution reportedly argued that the investigation was cyber-related and that releasing her at that stage could create a risk of interference with witnesses or the investigative process.
The court consequently directed the Republic to expedite the investigations.
The protesters, however, questioned why Salomey should remain in custody while the investigations continue.
They argued that women who become subjects of criminal investigations or legal proceedings should be treated fairly and in accordance with due process.
For the demonstrators, the campaign extends beyond Salomey’s individual circumstances. They said the protest was also intended to draw attention to broader challenges confronting women and to demand that women’s concerns receive greater attention when questions of justice, economic survival and public accountability arise.
At EOCO, the demonstrators intensified their calls for action, chanting and expressing their frustration over Salomey’s continued detention.
Some participants became visibly emotional as they demanded justice and appealed for intervention.
Their central message was directed at President Mahama, whom they urged to intervene in the matter and facilitate Salomey’s release.
The demand comes against the backdrop of the High Court’s September 24 decision declining bail while investigations continue.
The protesters’ call for immediate release, however, remains a demand from the demonstration and does not alter the court’s ruling or the ongoing criminal proceedings.
