The #FixTheCountry Movement has raised alarm over the treatment of one of their protestors, Pricilla Tobili, who has been denied access to critical medical care while in police custody.
Tobili, who suffers from multiple health conditions including diabetes and asthma, was reportedly arrested during the recent Democracy Hub protests, which aimed to call for an end to illegal mining activities (galamsey).
In a post shared on social media platform X, the movement stated: “Pricilla Tobili, the abducted protestor who suffers from multiple health complications including diabetes and asthma is still having access to medical necessities denied. We have been informed that her relatives tried to send medication to her location but they were turned away. At which point is state-sanctioned torture an appropriate term? Regardless of your personal views of the protest, the protestors etc, do you think this behavior by @GhPoliceService is appropriate and just? All of this is happening with the world watching, imagine what will happen if you get arrested and no one knows and there is no media attention?”
The concerns surrounding Tobili’s health come on the back of widespread arrests during the Democracy Hub protests, which concluded over the weekend. More than 40 demonstrators were taken into custody.
Among those arrested is lawyer and social media influencer, Ama Governor, who expressed her frustrations after being detained for over 48 hours without food or water. She was among those apprehended during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, which coincided with the Democracy Hub protest.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the lead convener of the protest, was also arrested and later admitted to the Police Hospital after complaining of ill health. He and another protestor, Fanny Otoo, were both brought before the Accra Circuit Court on Wednesday, where Barker-Vormawor was seen being aided by police officers to climb the stairs due to his condition.
The police have accused Barker-Vormawor of participating in “various unlawful acts” during the protests. He is expected to return to court on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Meanwhile, eleven other protestors who appeared before the court on Wednesday have been remanded into police custody after pleading not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime. This development brings the total number of demonstrators currently remanded to 50.