The Ghana Police Service has strongly denied reports that activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor was beaten while in police custody. In a statement, the police described the allegations as “false and baseless,” urging the public to disregard them.
“This is yet another attempt by the accused person and his cohort to court public sympathy. We, therefore, urge the public to disregard it,” the statement said.
The police explained that Mr. Barker-Vormawor was granted bail by the Accra High Court on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, but remains in custody due to his inability to secure the required sureties. He was granted a GH¢20,000 bail with two sureties after facing several charges, including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, assault on a public officer, and defacement of public property.
According to the police, on October 19, they received intelligence that Mr. Barker-Vormawor was allegedly planning to compromise the security of other inmates and the police station. When they attempted to transfer him to another cell, he resisted.
“In the process of handcuffing him, he sustained minor scratches on his right hand. He was immediately taken to the hospital, treated, and discharged,” the statement clarified.
The police assured the public that they are committed to maintaining law and order while ensuring the protection of all persons, including suspects in custody.
Mr. Barker-Vormawor, who has been charged with multiple offenses, including the alleged theft of a police car key, is required to report to the police twice a week as part of his bail conditions.
The police emphasized that no excessive force was used during his transfer, reiterating their commitment to upholding the law.
Mr Barker-Vormawor has accused the police of assaulting him in a post on his Facebook platform.
“Only the weak minded resort to brute force and violence, rather than language, dialogue and human decency.
“To be assaulted and injured by the Ghana Police Service, I and others have chosen the silent protest of hunger as a response to our deplorable conditions; is beyond mind boggling and all that is morally reprehensible.
“I am still in pain from the injuries and beatings meted out to me without reason. But I implore you all to join this national hunger strike tomorrow. Let our hunger reflect our growing impatience with the indignity that is now routine in this country. We mustn’t let them win! A new Ghana is on the horizon! Believe!!!” he wrote.
