Ghana Jollof: Akosua Manu appeals to Naana Jane to use her influence to free Salomey

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 use her office to help secure the release of Salomey Awity Baffoe, who is in police custody over alleged links to the anonymous “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.

Ms. Manu, a former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), made the appeal in a social media post on Friday, September 18, 2026.

She said Salomey, a mother of 3, 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 intervene within the powers available to her and the government, particularly given that the arrest occurred ahead of a long weekend.

“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 also pointed to Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's position as Ghana's first female Vice President and Chairperson of the Police Council, arguing that the roles carry responsibilities beyond their symbolic significance.

According to Ms. Manu, women who occupy influential positions should be willing to speak out when the rights and welfare of other women become matters of concern.

“Professor Jane Naana, what do you want your legacy as Ghana's first female Vice President to be?” she asked.

She recalled instances in which, according to her, many women had expected the Vice President to comment on issues affecting women but were disappointed by what she described as her silence.

Ms. Manu cited the contested removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the arrests and detention of women over social media activities, and the case involving Salomey as examples of developments that have generated concerns among women.

She said the current case was particularly significant because Salomey is a mother of 3, including a four-year-old child who is now separated from her.

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.