‘Free Salomey Now!’ — Women Storm EOCO, Give Mahama 24 Hours** Another punchier option: **Women Storm EOCO, Demand Salomey Baffoe’s Immediate Release**

Chants of “Free Salomey now!” echoed through parts of Accra as a group of women took to the streets to demand the immediate release of Salomey Awitey Baffoe.

The women, who participated in the “Women’s Voices Matter” demonstration, gathered 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 Ms Baffoe.

The protesters have given President John Dramani Mahama 24 hours to intervene, with some chanting, “John Mahama, free Salomey!” and “We are tired of John!”

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

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

The High Court on Thursday, September 24, denied a bail application filed on her behalf after the prosecution argued that she was still needed to assist with ongoing investigations.

The court was informed that the investigation was cyber-related and that releasing her at that stage could result in interference with witnesses. The court subsequently directed the Republic to expedite its investigations.

The protesters, however, have continued to challenge the decision to keep Ms Baffoe in custody, arguing that she should not be subjected to what they consider prolonged or unfair detention.

According to them, women already face significant social and economic challenges and should be treated fairly and in accordance with the law when they become involved in legal or investigative matters.

They said the demonstration was not solely about Salomey Baffoe but also sought to draw attention to broader issues affecting women and ensure that women’s voices are heard when they raise concerns about their treatment.

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

“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 requiring her continued 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 key concerns raised by the protesters, who are demanding Ms Baffoe’s release while investigations continue.

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

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

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

KOKA also used the demonstration to highlight broader challenges facing women in Ghana.

He said women play a central role in families and communities and should not be overlooked in discussions on national issues.

He further pointed to Ghana’s female Vice President, arguing that concerns raised by women should receive serious attention.

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

He spoke about the difficulties women face in providing for their families, educating their children and making a living, particularly those engaged in trading.

He also highlighted economic challenges confronting 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 also questioned whether initiatives aimed at supporting women, including the proposed women’s bank, had translated into meaningful relief for women struggling to provide for their families.

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

The protesters repeatedly directed their message at President John Dramani 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 has shifted to the next stage of the legal process, with Ms Baffoe expected back in court on Tuesday, September 30, when the case is scheduled to come up again.

KOKA said concerns surrounding her detention had intensified following the previous bail decision and the ongoing investigations.

By Esther Padmore Amonoo