Akosua Asaa Manu, Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to the NPP flagbearer and one of the conveners of the Women’s Voices Matter demonstration, has declared that Ghanaian women will continue to make their voices heard, following Tuesday’s protest in Accra over women’s rights, freedom of expression, economic opportunities and the detention of Salomey Awiti Bafoh.
Reflecting on the demonstration in a Facebook post, Manu said attempts to dismiss or diminish women’s voices would not erase their significance in Ghana’s national conversation.
“They may call our voices shrill, low, uninteresting, and many other names… but they shall never be able to say that women’s voices are dead or that they do not matter,” she wrote.
The demonstration, held on September 29, brought together women from different walks of life, including traders, professionals, artisans and younger women. Participants marched through parts of Accra before presenting a petition to the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey. Women associated with different political parties also participated in the protest.
According to Manu, the diversity of women who participated sent what she described as an unmistakable message to the government and its institutions.
“Today, women from all walks of life; mothers, traders, Gen Zs, professionals, and artisans stand united to send an unmistakable message to the government and its institutions: Enough with the abductions. Enough with selective justice. Women deserve economic opportunities, not onerous bail terms. The Affirmative Action law deserves implementation, not civil suppression,” she stated.
The demonstration came amid public debate over the detention of Salomey Awiti Bafoh, a nursing officer accused of abetting the publication and dissemination of false news linked to the social-media personality known as “Ghana Jollof.” An Accra High Court denied Bafoh bail, citing ongoing investigations and concerns that she could interfere with cyber-related materials. The court also directed the police to expedite their investigation and said she could renew her bail application if circumstances changed.
Manu, however, said the #FreeSalomey campaign had come to represent a broader demand by participating women for accountability and dignity.
“#FreeSalomey is not just a slogan; it is the collective rallying cry of women demanding accountability and dignity,” she wrote.
The organisers have also placed economic empowerment, freedom of expression and implementation of Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act among their stated demands. Ahead of the march, the movement called for increased opportunities for women in business and employment, alongside greater representation and participation in decision-making.
“The time for the government to listen is now,” Manu added. “Yesterday, women showed up. Mothers. Traders. Professionals. Gen Zs. Women from all walks of life. Different voices. One message: Women’s voices matter. WE WILL BE HEARD.”