*Minority Women’s Caucus Decries "Selective Justice" Over Detention Of Nurse Linked To ‘Ghana Jollof’ Account*
The Minority Women’s Caucus in Parliament has condemned what it describes as selective justice in the arrest, detention and remand of Madam Salomey Awiti Bafoh, a Principal Nursing Officer and mother of three.
Madam Bafoh was arrested over allegations reportedly connected to the "Ghana Jollof" social media account and has spent several days in custody. According to the Caucus, she has been further remanded while investigations continue, with the allegations presented by the prosecution reportedly changing.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Caucus said it has followed the case with "grave concern."
"We state firmly that the criminal justice system must never be applied selectively, nor should the liberty of any Ghanaian depend on whom they criticize, offend or politically disagree with," the statement said.
The group questioned the continued detention of the nurse, arguing that she poses no demonstrable flight risk or threat to public safety and that law enforcement and the courts should exercise appropriate discretion in such matters.
The statement also expressed concern about the roles of two women in the process — a female Director General of the CID and a female judge — who are central actors in what has resulted in the continued detention of a fellow woman.
"At a time when women in positions of authority are expected to appreciate the broader implications of the exercise of state power on the rights and dignity of other women, this development is deeply concerning and deserving of serious public scrutiny," the Caucus noted.
Drawing comparisons, the Minority Women's Caucus cited the case of Mr. Kevin Taylor, who they said has over the years made "highly offensive and derogatory remarks" about former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, NPP Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his wife Samira Bawumia, and other public figures, without facing swift arrest and prosecution.
"The law cannot have two faces. What is unacceptable when directed at President John Dramani Mahama cannot become acceptable when directed at Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former President Akufo-Addo, Samira Bawumia or any other Ghanaian. Equality before the law must mean exactly that — equality," the statement stressed.
The Caucus called on President John Dramani Mahama and his Government to demonstrate that constitutional rights and freedoms will be protected without political discrimination.
It further made a direct appeal to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as the first woman to occupy the office, to intervene.
"We call directly on Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang... to lend her voice to the defence of the rights and dignity of women. This is precisely the moment when women in positions of authority must demonstrate that the protection of women transcends political affiliation," the statement said.
"This matter is bigger than one woman, one political party or one social media account. It concerns the integrity of our democracy and public confidence in our institutions," it added.
The Minority Women's Caucus is demanding an immediate review of Madam Bafoh's continued detention and insisting 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."
