Ghana Police Insists It Paid ALL Medical Bills of Barker-Vormawor

The Ghana Police Service has said it paid in full all medical bills of Oliver Barker-Vormawor, currently on lawful detention, after he was charged with engaging in unlawful activities during a 3-day street protest organized by Democracy Hub, a pressure group.

The Ghana Police Service issued an official statement to set the records straight after reports went viral on social media that the Police Hospital returned accused person, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, to Police custody due to lack of funds to cover his medical expenses.

An official statement from the Police Service read: “We would like to state that these claims are palpable falsehoods which is part of the numerous attempts aimed at courting public sympathy.

“We would like to emphasize that every cost associated with his visit to the hospital was borne by the Ghana Police Service in line with our Standard Operating Procedures with respect to suspects in our custody. However, we are unable to share the evidence regarding the medical expenses due to doctor-patient confidentiality.

“We would also like to state that the accused person was not rushed to the hospital, as falsely claimed. The public is, therefore, once again urged to disregard these new set of baseless claims in connection with this incident.”

Last Thursday, Democracy Hub, alleged that the suspect was rushed to the hospital after his health deteriorated while in custody.

It the claim is true, it would be the second time Mr. Baker-Vormawor is being admitted while on detention amidst growing calls for his release which has not been possible because the courts have denied him bail for the third time.

He was part of the 53 persons arrested on September 23 on claims they has engaged in unlawful activities while staging a three-day street protest against illegal mining.

Democracy Hub said Baker-Vomarwor is being “unjustly detained” and called for prayers for him.

The statement reads in full:

Democracy Hub is deeply troubled to report that our convener, activist Oliver Barker- Vormawor, was rushed to the Police Hospital earlier this morning due to serious concerns over his health. Oliver remains in police custody, having been one of the 53 activists unjustly detained during the #StopGalamsey and #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests on September 21, 2024.

Currently, medical professionals are conducting tests to assess his condition and determine whether hospitalization is necessary. This marks the second time Oliver’s health has deteriorated since his unlawful detention by the Ghana Police Service on September 23, 2024.

Despite multiple appeals submitted to the High Courts in Accra for his release, Oliver is the only protester who has been denied bail, unlike the other 52 activists who were successfully released on bail on October 9, 2024. We are gravely concerned for his wellbeing and urge the authorities to act swiftly in addressing his health needs.

We are closely monitoring Oliver’s situation and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

We call on the public to keep Oliver in their thoughts and prayers during this critical time and to remain patient as we await further details on his condition.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

We remain steadfast in our belief that justice will prevail. Together, we stand in solidarity for what is right.

Signed,

Democracy Hub