Oliver Barker-Vormawor arrested by Ghana Police

A convener of the Democracy Hub and organizer of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been arrested by the police.

In a statement released on Monday, September 23, 2024, and signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the police explained that Barker-Vormawor’s arrest was due to his involvement in unlawful acts during the two-day protest at the 37 Roundabout in Accra.

Barker-Vormawor had earlier been declared wanted by the police after he allegedly pushed down police crash barriers without provocation, escalating tensions between protesters and law enforcement. He was also accused of seizing the keys to a police tow truck and throwing them away, obstructing efforts to tow a minivan carrying food and water for the protesters.

Responding to the police, Barker-Vormawor maintained that he had not gone into hiding and was willing to meet with authorities at any time.

Day 2 of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse and #StopGalamsey peaceful demonstrations, organized by the Democracy Hub, was marred by police brutality, arrests of protesters—including minors—and clashes between demonstrators and police at various blockade points.

Meanwhile, Sunday, September 22, 2024, marked the second day of the three-day protest against the government’s failure to address illegal mining activities, which have contaminated several water bodies across the country.

Protesters, dressed in red and black, gathered in large numbers. Led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the police began arresting protesters who defied orders to avoid certain routes during the demonstration.

Ahead of the protests, the police had announced a special operation, blocking major roads leading to the Jubilee House, the seat of government, which the protesters had intended to go there.

Read the police statement below.