Lead organiser of the #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse protest, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, was announced to have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service on Monday, September 23, 2024, following an earlier declaration of a manhunt for him by the police.
However, following his arrest, #FixTheCountry has released evidence to counter what it says is a deliberate distortion of the narrative by the police.
In the video sighted by GhanaWeb, Oliver, in the company of his lawyer, is seen following a police dispatch rider in a car driving into the compound of the Greater Accra Regional Police Command.
“Like I said, I am turning myself in. According to the police, this will be a pre-condition for the release of the other protesters. We do hope that – it’s like I don’t believe that this will happen, but if there is any little chance at all that the people arrested will be released today, we will take that choice. Whatever the case may be, we are prepared. We understand that the law allows them to hold me for 48 hours, and after that, we will appear in court. Thank you all for your support. Till victory comes,” he signed off before walking into the police station.
The Ghana Police Service on Sunday declared a manhunt for one of the leaders of Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, and some protesters for allegedly engaging in acts of lawlessness, including blocking a road, pushing down police crash barriers, and obstructing traffic at the 37 Intersection.
An official statement issued by the police on Sunday, September 22, 2024, said, “The Police are on a manhunt for Oliver Barker-Vormawor, one of the leaders of the protest, along with others involved in acts of lawlessness.
“We would like to assure the public that the Police will arrest all the perpetrators involved and bring them to face justice.”
Tensions between the police and Democracy Hub escalated on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, when the police secured an injunction from the Accra High Court to prevent the group from holding their 3-day protest at Revolution Square, located in front of the Jubilee House.
The group, however, defied the police and embarked on the protest to demand a stop to illegal mining activities in the country, popularly referred to as galamsey. This led to the arrest of several protesters on Sunday and Monday.
On Monday afternoon, the police issued a statement announcing the arrest of Oliver Barker-Vormawor.
Following his own words at 2:30 PM, Oliver was escorted by a Police motorcade to report himself at the Police Regional Commands accompanied by his lawyer.
— #Fixthecountry (@Ghfixthecountry) September 23, 2024
He was not ARRESTED as the Police say nor was he on the run which would require any HUNTING for HIM.
He went there… https://t.co/Lt6LvpBHC6 pic.twitter.com/BIZVCz07mb
