Women’s Voice Matter has submitted a petition to the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, calling attention to the detention of Salomey and concerns surrounding women’s rights and freedom of expression. The submission is part of a demonstration by the movement, which brought together women and advocates demanding greater attention to issues affecting women and their fundamental rights.
The demonstrators used the protest to draw public attention to Salomey’s continuous stay in prison after being denied bail. Their action seeks to place her situation before the Gender Ministry while urging authorities and relevant institutions to ensure that women are able to exercise their rights without facing unjust treatment.
Addressing the gathering, representatives of Women’s Voice Matter presented their petition to the Gender Minister and outlined concerns that extend beyond Salomey’s case. The movement also raised issues surrounding women’s freedom of expression, access to justice and the delayed establishment of the Women’s Development Bank.
The demonstration further highlighted the importance of ensuring that women who come into conflict with the law have access to due process and appropriate legal protection. For the protesters, Salomey’s detention has become a focal point for a wider conversation about women’s rights and the need for institutions to respond to such cases.
Receiving the petition, the Gender Minister, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, welcomed the engagement and indicated that her management team would study the issues raised. She explained that matters requiring further action or a response from the Ministry would be reviewed before the movement is engaged again.
The Minister also acknowledged the role of Women’s Voice Matter and other stakeholders in drawing attention to issues affecting women. “Any effort to ensure that the rights of women are upheld, we want to work towards that, and we want to work with all stakeholders in fulfilling that right,” she noted.
Salomey Awiti Baffoe, a senior nursing officer from Techiman, is facing a charge of abetment of crime, specifically the alleged publication of false news, in connection with the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account. Police allege that Baffoe acted as a liaison for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, believed to operate the account, helped distribute videos and was involved in related financial transactions.
Baffoe has pleaded not guilty and her lawyers have challenged aspects of the prosecution’s case. The High Court in Accra denied her bail on September 24, citing the ongoing investigations and possible interference with evidence. She remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Gender Minister Assures Women of Action on Affirmative Law, Bank
Gender Minister, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has assured women that government remains committed to implementing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 and establishing the Women’s Development Bank. She explained that key structures required under the affirmative action law are already in place, while work on the bank continues under the Office of the Vice President.
Dr Lartey disclosed that the Ministry has established the committee required by the law and has also put the necessary secretariat in place. She invited stakeholders to engage with the secretariat and familiarise themselves with the processes being developed to operationalise the legislation.
Referencing the purpose of the law, the Minister emphasised that the legislation is intended to create opportunities for women to attain higher levels of participation and leadership. “This is a law meant for women to get to the highest level, and so we are going to do our best to ensure that every Ghanaian woman gets a feel of it,” she highlighted.
On the Women’s Development Bank, Dr Lartey explained that the initiative is being handled under the Office of the Vice President, with the Ministry and other stakeholders contributing to efforts toward its establishment. She stressed that the objective is to create an institution that serves women and the wider Ghanaian population.
The Minister linked the progress of the bank to the need for a strong institutional foundation capable of sustaining its operations. She further pointed to financial commitments contained in successive national budgets as evidence of government’s intention to establish the institution.
“The Women’s Development Bank is under the office of the Vice President, who is working very tirelessly to make sure that the Ministry, with all other stakeholders, gets the bank established. It is not for government, but for the women and the people of Ghana.”
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
On allegations that the Gender Ministry has become politicised, the Minister rejected the assertion and pointed to its staffing structure. She noted that most heads of the Ministry’s secretariats and departments are career civil servants, with only a limited number of positions occupied by political appointees.
The Minister further pledged to examine the concerns contained in the petition with her management team and advisory board. She welcomed continued engagement with Women Voice Matter and other stakeholders, stressing that the Ministry remains available to discuss measures aimed at advancing women’s rights.
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