We haven’t beaten Oliver Barker-Vormawor – Ghana Police says

By Justice Dzido On Oct 21, 2024

The Ghana Police Service has deniedcirculating reports claiming that officers beat Oliver Barker-Vormawor.

In a press release issued on October 20^th 2024, the Police stated, “This is yet another attempt by the accused and his associates to court public sympathy. We, therefore, urge the public to disregard it.”

The Office of the Attorney-General is prosecuting the case against Barker-Vormawor. On October 16, 2024, the High Court granted him bail set at Twenty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢ 20,000) with two sureties. However, the Police noted that several attempts to execute the bail have failed because Barker-Vormawor has been unable to procure the necessary sureties.

According to the Ghana Police, “On 19th October 2024, they (the police) had intelligence that the accused (Oliver Barker-Vormawor) was planning to compromise the security of other inmates and the Police Station. The Police, therefore, decided to transfer him to another cell, but he resisted, after several persuasions. In the attempt to handcuff him, he sustained minor scratches on his right hand. He was then taken to the Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.”

The Police reassured the public, stating, “We will continue to maintain law and order, and ensure the protection of all persons, including suspects in our custody.”

Prior to the press release, a message appeared on the official Facebook page of Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor stating: “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!”