Minors Arrested, Police Keys Thrown Away, Oliver Declared Wanted: Highlights of Day 2 of #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest

Day 2 of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse and #StopGalamsey peaceful demonstration organised by the Democracy Hub was marred by police brutality, the arrest of protesters including minors, and chaotic scenes of clashes between protesters and police security details stationed at various blockade points.

Sunday, September 22, 2024, marked Day 2 of the three-day protest against the government's failure to eradicate and combat illegal mining activities, which have polluted several water bodies in various parts of the country.

Protesters clad in red and black gathered in large numbers. Led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a convener of the Democracy Hub, the police began arresting defiant protesters who ignored directives not to use certain routes during the demonstration.

Prior to the demonstration, the police announced a special operation, blocking major roads leading to the seat of government, the Jubilee House, which the protesters indicated they wanted to ‘occupy’.

Video footages showed police personnel manhandling protesters who were resisting arrest.

Here are the highlights of Day 2 of the protest:

Arrest of minors:

During the arrest of protesters, the Ghana Police Service detained a 62-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl, who were later released due to the presence of the minor.

Additionally, video footage shows an 8-year-old girl identified as Rose Safo, wearing a blue dress, being picked up among the arrested protesters and placed in a police van.



Police vehicle keys thrown away:

To thwart the police's attempt to tow away a minivan carrying food and water for the protesters, Oliver Barker-Vormawor courageously bypassed a team of armed officers and took the keys from the police tow truck. He then threw the keys away to frustrate their efforts.

This led to fury among the police, who chased after Barker-Vormawor but were unable to arrest him.



Barker-Vormawor declared wanted:

A nationwide manhunt has been launched by the police for Barker-Vormawor following the arrest of 42 protesters. The police assert that the protesters engaged in violent demonstrations at the 37 Roundabout in Accra.

A video also shows him pushing down police crash barriers without provocation, further inflaming tensions between protesters and law enforcement.



Manhandling of protesters:

Several footages capture protesters being manhandled by police personnel for allegedly disturbing pace and obstructing traffic.

Watch more videos below from Day 2 of the protest:

MAG/MA