Oliver Barker Vormawor
The Ghana Police Service has issued a statement urging the public to disregard allegations suggesting that Oliver Barker-Vormawor was assaulted by some police officers.
In a press release, the service described the claims as a misguided attempt by Barker-Vormawor and his associates to garner public sympathy, labeling the allegations as “false and baseless.”
The statement noted that Barker-Vormawor, currently facing prosecution by the Office of the Attorney General, was granted bail by the High Court on October 16, 2024, in the sum of GH¢20,000 with two sureties.
However, efforts by the police to facilitate the execution of the bail have been unsuccessful due to Barker-Vormawor’s inability to secure the necessary sureties.
“On October 19, 2024, police intelligence indicated that Barker-Vormawor was allegedly planning to compromise the security of other inmates and the police station. In response, police attempted to transfer him to another cell,” the statement said.
According to the statement, he resisted this transfer, and during efforts to handcuff him, he sustained minor scratches on his right hand. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment and later discharged.
The police emphasised that the transfer was a precautionary measure aimed at preventing potential incidents within the facility.
This statement comes in response to accusations made by the Democracy Hub, which condemned an alleged incident of police brutality involving its convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor.
The group claimed that Barker-Vormawor was beaten by officers from the Striking Force Unit of the Regional Command before being moved to another police station on October 19, 2024.
Democracy Hub expressed outrage at what they termed the “continuous unprofessional conduct” of the Ghana Police Service, accusing them of violating the dignity of individuals held in custody while awaiting trial.
Barker-Vormawor was among 53 protesters arrested during an anti-illegal mining demonstration, and was the last to be released on bail after three attempts.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke