Lead convener of the anti-galamsey protest group Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, recently spoke out in an interview on TV3, detailing his assault by eight members of the Ghana Police Service’s SWAT team while in lawful custody. The attack left him “hurt” and “physically shaken.’
Oliver explained that he was asleep in his cell when the officers entered and began to assault him, resulting in visible injuries.
After the incident, he was taken to Opoku Ware Hospital for treatment and subsequently discharged.
Reflecting on the incident, Oliver stated, “I understood that the police were discomforted by our discussions about the conditions of our detention.
I expected them to respond with humanity, but instead, they resorted to violence.” He described how the police appeared tentative on Thursday and Friday, unsure of how to handle the situation, even refusing food brought by families of inmates.
According to him, tensions escalated on Saturday as the police took one inmate out, issuing threats to others. “I was lying down reading, as I often do, when this unfolded,”. “I tend to wake up early, around 5 a.m., while most others sleep in.”
He described how the police isolated him: “They pushed everybody into a corner and asked me to step out. When I did, one officer demanded to know where my belongings were. I asked what was happening, but he repeated his question.”
Oliver continued, “I don’t know what happened next. One officer had me in a neck lock while another was trying to handcuff me. They were stepping on my feet with their boots, and before I realized it, punches were flying at my face all happening right behind the police counter.”
“There was no conversation at any point. We anticipated they wanted to move us, but I couldn’t understand why they resorted to such brutality.”
“This time, they seemed intent on showcasing their aggression. It was deeply surprising to see such behavior, especially under the supervision of higher-ranking officers who shouted profanities at me throughout the incident.”
He stated that he was taken from the cell wearing only a white top, with no slippers or personal belongings. “I was just bundled into a vehicle with no idea where I was being taken. I didn’t realize I was bleeding until later in the journey. I felt extremely agitated and confused, processing what had just happened.”
Democracy Hub protests: How 8 Police Officers beat up Oliver Barker Vormawor while in custody.#HotIssues #3NewsGH #StopGalamseyNow pic.twitter.com/rXB67qP5XA
— #3NewsGH (@3NewsGH) October 27, 2024
