Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights condemns arrest of Barker-Vormawor, other protestors
The Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights has condemned the recent arrest of the convener of the #PreOccupyJulorbiHouse and #Stop Galamsey protest, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, along with several other peaceful demonstrators.
In a press release issued on September 24, the group described the actions of the Ghana Police Service as an abuse of power that undermines the democratic rights of Ghanaians to voice their concerns.
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“This latest action by the Ghana Police Service under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare is not only a blatant abuse of power but also an attack on the democratic rights of Ghanaians to express their dissent and demand accountability from those in power.
“It is utterly hypocritical for the police to swiftly and forcefully arrest protesters, who pose no threat to public safety, while they remain silent on the serious crimes that continue to plague our nation.”
The Alliance is calling for their immediate release and has threatened to organize a peaceful protest against the Police if their demands are not met.
“We will not stand by idly as the rights of Ghanaian citizens are trampled upon by a police force that has abandoned its constitutional mandate. We will continue to advocate for justice, accountability, and the rule of law until these values are upheld by our law enforcement agencies.
“The Inspector General of Police must cease his tyrannical abuse of power and refocus his efforts on addressing the real threats facing our society. Failing this, the alliance will hold him and the Ghana police service responsible for the ongoing erosion of civil rights in Ghana,” the statement added.
Below is the full statement;
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 21st September, 2024
UNLAWFUL ARREST OF OLIVER BAKER VUMAWOR AND OTHER PROTESTERS: GHANA POLICE SERVICE’S CONTINUED SUPPRESSION OF CIVIL RIGHTS IN GHANA.
The Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of Oliver Barker-Vormawor, leader of the #PreOccupyJulorbiHouse Stop Galamsey protest, along with several other peaceful protesters.
This latest action by the Ghana Police Service under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare is not only a blatant abuse of power but also an attack on the democratic rights of Ghanaians to express their dissent and demand accountability from those in power.
While citizens rightfully protest the ongoing environmental devastation caused by illegal mining (galamsey), the Inspector General Of Police continues to neglect his duty to apprehend individuals and groups who have committed serious violations against our constitution.
These include violent crimes, corruption, and other offenses that undermine Ghana’s national security and erode public trust in law enforcement.
It is utterly hypocritical for the police to swiftly and forcefully arrest protesters, who pose no threat to public safety, while they remain silent on the serious crimes that continue to plague our nation.
This selective enforcement of the law not only violates the basic principles of justice but also exposes the Ghana Police Service’s inability or unwillingness to hold powerful individuals accountable for their actions, The Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights is giving the Ghana Police Service a 24-hour ultimatum to release all protesters who were wrongfully arrested at the #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
Should this demand not be met, we will be left with no choice but to mobilize for a peaceful protest against the Ghana Police Service in the coming days We will not stand by idly as the rights of Ghanaian citizens are trampled upon by a police force that has abandoned its constitutional mandate. We will continue to advocate for justice, accountability, and the rule of law until these values are upheld by our law enforcement agencies.
The Inspector General of Police must cease his tyrannical abuse of power and refocus his efforts on addressing the real threats facing our society. Failing this the alliance will hold him and the Ghana Police Service responsible for the ongoing erosion of civil rights in Ghana.
William Kofi Yirenkyi
Founder, Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights
Tel: 0244-933-546
Email: Yirenkyi.William@gmail.com
Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights Advocating for justice, equality, and accountability.
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