Police Deny Beating Up Baker-Vormawo

The Ghana Police Service has denied reports that its officers subjected activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor to physical abuse as he remains in their custody following his failure to meet his bail requirement.

According to a statement issued by the Service on October 20, its officers got wind of attempts by the accused to “compromise the security of other inmates and the Police Station”, prompting a decision to relocate him to a different cell.

“On 19th October 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 persuasion.”

The Service added that the activist sustained some scratches on his right hand “in the attempt to handcuff him”.

“He was then taken to the Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. We want to assure the public once again, that we will continue to maintain law and order and ensure the protection of all persons including suspects in our custody.”

It thereby denied claims that the accused person was abused.

“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.”

The public has been divided by this development. Many found reasons not to believe the side of the police.

“What do you mean by ‘the accused was planning to compromise the security of other inmates and the Police Station?’ This statement is too vague. A world-class Police Service will have a press conference to answer all questions and not just a press release,” an X user posted.

Another asked, “So who beat am?” with one other chipping, “LIES!”

“Unless you have not had any issue with the police or police case. Police Service ALWAYS abuses the rights of the people under their care. They always believe the complainants while the Constitution says suspects are innocent until proven guilty,” commented another.

One differed, “The court has granted him bail with a surety, why still detain him? That in itself contravenes the law. Allow the gentleman out and don’t make it seem its politically motivated else when power changes hands, its effect won’t be nice at all…”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini