The Ghana Police Service has debunked claims that some officers assaulted Ghanaian lawyer and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor.
The police in a statement on Sunday, October 20, 2024, explained that Barker-Vormawor sustained minor injuries while being transferred to another cell.
According to the police, the transfer became necessary after intelligence suggested that Barker-Vormawor was planning to harm other inmates.
The statement also indicated that the transfer was done to prevent any possible incident within the prison facility.
The police further explained that this development occurred after Barker-Vormawor failed to meet the bail conditions set by the High Court on Wednesday, October 16.
As a result, he remained in custody, and the transfer was part of standard security procedures.
In response to widespread social media claims that Barker-Vormawor had been physically assaulted, the police refuted those allegations, insisting that no such abuse occurred during his time in custody and urged the public to disregard the false allegations.
“On 19th October 2024, the Police had intelligence that the accused 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 persuasion.
“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 statement said.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor was among the 53 Democracy Hub protesters who were arrested and detained for two weeks following their participation in an anti-illegal mining demonstration.
He was the last to be released on bail after three unsuccessful attempts.