He sustained wounds while resisting transfer - Police insist Barker-Vormawor was not beaten

The Ghana Police Service has debunked reports of the lead convener for Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, being assaulted by police personnel while in custody.

According to the statement released on October 20, 2024, Barker-Vormawor sustained minor injuries as a result of resisting the police personnel while being transferred to a new cell.

The statement further noted that the Democracy Hub leader was quickly taken to the hospital where he was treated and discharged accordingly.

The police entreated the general public to disregard the reports of beating Barker-Vormawor as his cohorts are doing so for public sympathy.

“The Ghana Police Service wishes to state that the report circulating in the media space that the Police have beaten Oliver Barker-Vormawor is false and baseless. This is yet another attempt by the accused person and his cohort to court public sympathy. We, therefore, urge the public to disregard it.

“On October 19, 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 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,” portions of the statement read.

This follows the Democracy Hub condemning an alleged incident of police brutality involving its convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor.

According to a statement released by the group, Barker-Vormawor was reportedly beaten by officers at the Striking Force unit of the Regional Commands before being transferred to another police station earlier today, October 19, 2024.

The organisation expressed outrage at the “continuous unprofessional conduct” of the Ghana Police Service, accusing them of consistently violating the dignity of individuals held in custody while awaiting trial.

Democracy Hub emphasised that this incident highlights a broader pattern of misconduct within the police force, which they claim is led by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare.

Read the full statement below:

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SB/EK