Democracy Hub convener, Barker-Vormawor arrested
A convener of the Democracy Hub, organisers of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demo, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been arrested by the police.
A statement released by the police on Monday, September 23, 2024, and signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, stated that his arrest was due to his involvement in unlawful acts during the two-day protests at the 37 Roundabout in Accra.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor was earlier declared wanted by the police after pushing down police crash barriers without provocation, inflaming tensions between protesters and law enforcement.
He also took the keys from a police tow truck and threw them away to frustrate their efforts to tow away a minivan carrying food and water for the protesters.
Barker-Vomarwor, reacting to this, however, told the police he hadn’t gone into hiding and was ready to meet them anywhere and anytime.
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’.
