‘Free Salomey Now!’ — Women March To EOCO Over Continued Detention Of Salomey Baffoe

A group of women has taken to the streets of Accra to demand the immediate release of Salomey Awitey Baffoe, with protesters calling on President John Dramani Mahama and the relevant authorities to intervene in her continued detention.

The women, who were part of the “Women’s Voices Matter” demonstration, gathered at AMA Park before marching to the premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

At EOCO, the protesters chanted “Free Salomey now!” and called for what they described as justice and fair treatment for Ms Baffoe.

Some demonstrators also directed their demands at President Mahama, chanting, “John Mahama, free Salomey!” and “We are tired of John!”

The protesters have given the President 24 hours to act.

The demonstration was marked by strong emotions, with some participants seen crying as they questioned the circumstances surrounding Ms Baffoe’s continued detention.

Why Salomey Baffoe is in custody

Ms Baffoe, 40, was arrested during a midnight raid at her home in Hansua in the Techiman Municipality of the Bono East Region on Sunday, September 13.

On Thursday, September 24, the High Court rejected a bail application filed on her behalf after prosecutors argued that she was still required to assist with ongoing investigations.

The court was told that the investigation was cyber-related and that releasing her at that stage could create a risk of interference with witnesses.

The court subsequently directed the Republic to expedite its investigations.

However, the protesters have continued to question why Ms Baffoe remains in custody, arguing that she should not be subjected to what they consider prolonged or unfair detention.

They said women already face significant social and economic challenges and that those who become involved in legal or investigative matters should be treated fairly and in accordance with the law.

According to the protesters, the demonstration is also about a broader concern: ensuring that women are heard when they raise issues about their treatment and rights.

KOKA joins calls for her release

Among those who joined the demonstration was KOKA, who said he participated because issues affecting women should concern everyone.

Explaining his decision, he pointed to the women in his own family.

“I have sisters, my mum is a woman,” he said.

KOKA also questioned the continued detention of Ms Baffoe, particularly the argument that investigators need her assistance to access information contained on her phone.

He argued that if the phone is already in police custody, investigators should be able to examine it without necessarily keeping Ms Baffoe in detention.

“If you are telling me that you need to keep her to be able to get access to cyber information on her phone, the phone you have already taken, you don’t need her presence to do those things,” he said.

His comments echoed one of the main concerns raised by the protesters, who want Ms Baffoe released while investigations continue.

KOKA also questioned what he described as differences in the way authorities have publicly handled various cases.

He referred to other incidents, including a reported murder involving a phone dealer, and questioned why, in his view, Ms Baffoe’s case appeared to have attracted greater public attention.

He said authorities had held a press conference regarding allegations involving Salomey, while, according to him, other serious incidents had not received a similar level of public communication.

Wider concerns about women

KOKA used the demonstration to draw attention to broader challenges facing women in Ghana.

He said women play important roles in families and communities and should therefore receive serious attention when they raise concerns about national issues.

He also pointed to Ghana having a female Vice President, arguing that issues raised by women should not be overlooked.

According to him, the challenges facing women extend beyond the circumstances surrounding Salomey Baffoe’s case.

He spoke about the difficulties many women face in providing for their families, paying their children’s school expenses and earning a living, particularly those who depend on trading.

He also highlighted the economic pressures faced by women in markets and communities across the country.

“The way we do things, we are putting women’s lives under,” he said, while highlighting what he described as the everyday struggles women face.

KOKA further questioned whether initiatives intended to support women, including a proposed women’s bank, had translated into meaningful relief for women struggling to support their families.

For him, the demonstration represents a wider discussion about how women are treated and supported in Ghana, beyond the immediate issue of Ms Baffoe’s detention.

Protesters demand action

The demonstrators repeatedly directed their message at President Mahama, calling on him to intervene and demanding Ms Baffoe’s release.

At EOCO, the women continued chanting and expressing their frustration, with some visibly emotional as they called for justice.

Meanwhile, attention is turning to the next stage of the legal process.

KOKA said Ms Baffoe is expected to return to court on Tuesday, September 30, when the case is scheduled to come up again.

He said the length of her detention and the previous decision to deny bail had heightened concerns among those supporting her.