Women must not suffer in ‘Ghana Jollof’ hunt – Akosua Manu to CID boss

Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Akosua Manu, has appealed to the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, to ensure women are not subjected to harassment in the search for anonymous social media commentator “Ghana Jollof”.

In a statement published on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Akosua Manu expressed concern over the reported detention of women linked to efforts to identify the commentator.

She urged the CID leadership to exercise restraint and ensure that investigations do not cause irreparable harm to innocent people.

Her comments follow the arrest and detention of Salomey Awity Baffoe, a 40-year-old nurse and mother of three from Hansua in the Techiman Municipality.

She was allegedly taken from her home around midnight by persons who identified themselves as National Security operatives over claims that she aided the activities of the commentator.

This follows the earlier arrest of NPP social media activist Efya Royal over allegations that she shared content originally posted by “Ghana Jollof”. She was subsequently granted police inquiry bail of GH¢20,000.

Reacting to the arrests, Akosua Manu warned that the actions could prove counterproductive, with consequences extending beyond the immediate investigation.

“You are looking for one ‘Ghana Jollof’, continue harassing women on suspicion and you may create twenty more. That is the cobra effect,” she said.

“People will not suddenly stop criticising governments because they are afraid. They become angrier, more anonymous and sometimes even more vicious,” she added.

She called on the CID boss to reflect on the responsibility that comes with occupying such a distinguished position in the country’s security system, while urging her to approach the investigation with restraint and humanity.

“Women in Ghana already fight too many battles. When one of us rises to such an enormously powerful position, we expect her presence to mean something. We expect an educated, exposed woman who understands the law to be one of the strongest voices in the room when somebody suggests bending it,” she noted.