The Minority Women’s Caucus has called for an immediate review of the continued detention of Madam Salomey Awiti Bafoh, a Principal Nursing Officer and mother of three, who has reportedly been remanded in connection with allegations linked to the “Ghana Jollof” social media account.
In a statement, the Caucus expressed concern over Bafoh’s arrest, detention and subsequent remand, particularly as investigations into the case continue and the allegations presented by the prosecution have reportedly changed.
The Caucus argued that Ghana’s criminal justice system must not be applied selectively, stressing that the liberty of citizens should not depend on whom they criticise, offend or politically disagree with.
It also questioned the continued detention of Bafoh, arguing that where an accused person does not pose a demonstrable flight risk or threat to public safety, law enforcement agencies and the courts should exercise appropriate discretion.
The Minority Women’s Caucus further highlighted the involvement of two women in positions of authority—the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and a female judge—in the process that has resulted in Bafoh’s continued detention.
According to the Caucus, the situation raises broader questions about how women in positions of authority respond to issues involving the rights and dignity of other women.
The statement also drew comparisons with the treatment of political commentator Kevin Taylor, whom the Caucus accused of making offensive and derogatory remarks over the years about former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, his wife Samira Bawumia and other public figures.
The Caucus questioned why the response of the State in those cases had not, in its view, mirrored the arrest, detention and prosecution being applied in Bafoh’s case.
“The law cannot have two faces,” the statement said, insisting that offensive commentary should be treated consistently regardless of the political figure targeted.
The Minority Women’s Caucus subsequently called on President John Dramani Mahama and his government to demonstrate their commitment to constitutional rights and freedoms without political discrimination.
It also appealed to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s first female Vice President, to speak up for what it described as fairness, due process and the constitutional rights of Bafoh.
The Caucus said the matter extends beyond Bafoh, the NDC or the “Ghana Jollof” social media account, arguing that it concerns public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions and justice system.
It therefore called for an immediate review of Bafoh’s continued detention and urged that her rights to personal liberty, presumption of innocence, due process and a fair trial be fully respected.
“Justice must not depend on political colour. The law must protect everyone equally. Ghana deserves nothing less,” the statement concluded.
