Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Akosua Manu, has called for greater transparency from state security agencies over reports of women being detained in connection with investigations into the anonymous social media commentator known as “Ghana Jollof”.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Ms Manu said security agencies must provide clear information on the whereabouts and legal status of anyone taken into custody in connection with the investigation.
Her comments followed reports concerning the alleged detention of Salomey Awity Baffoe, a 40-year-old mother of three from Hansua in the Techiman Municipality.
According to reports, three persons who identified themselves as National Security operatives allegedly took Ms Baffoe from her home at about 11:30 p.m. on September 13.
Her family subsequently sought information about her whereabouts, while the Bono East Regional Police Command and Regional National Security officials were reportedly unable to confirm the operation.
Ms Manu said the circumstances surrounding the reported detention required an immediate explanation, particularly if the person was being held by a state institution.
“What is being reported cannot simply be normalised as ‘arrests’,” she said, arguing that authorities should establish who took the woman, where she was being held and the legal basis for her detention.
She said the situation raised broader concerns about human rights, due process and the protection of women and children.
Ms Manu noted that the detention of a primary caregiver could have consequences for dependent children, particularly where families are unable to establish the whereabouts of the person.
“Women and children cannot become collateral damage in the search for one anonymous commentator,” she said.
She also expressed concern over the circulation of photographs of women on social media amid speculation about their possible links to “Ghana Jollof”.
Ms Manu cautioned against treating suspicion as evidence, saying any investigation should be based on credible information and conducted within constitutional and legal safeguards.
Her concerns come amid increased security interest in individuals allegedly connected to the anonymous commentator.
Earlier in September, NPP social media activist Efya Royal was arrested over allegations that she shared a post originally published by “Ghana Jollof”. Police subsequently confirmed that she was in custody, and she was later granted GH¢20,000 police enquiry bail.
Ms Manu acknowledged the responsibility of the state to investigate suspected offences but said security agencies must operate within the law.
She called for the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts and custodial status of Ms Baffoe and any other woman reportedly being held as part of the investigation.
“If there is credible evidence that she has committed an offence, let the law take its course through the proper constitutional processes. But if there is no lawful basis for holding her, let this mother go home to her children,” she said.
