The Ghana Police Service has denied reports suggesting that activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor was rushed to the hospital due to deteriorating health while in police custody.
In a statement, the police clarified that these claims, circulating on social media, are false and part of ongoing efforts to gain public sympathy.
The police emphasized that Barker-Vormawor’s visit to the Police Hospital on October 10, 2024, was routine and not an emergency, as falsely reported. They also addressed rumors that he was returned to custody because of insufficient funds to cover his medical expenses, categorically stating that all medical costs were fully borne by the Ghana Police Service, in line with their Standard Operating Procedures for suspects.
Due to doctor-patient confidentiality, the police are unable to provide further details regarding the expenses but assured the public that the situation was handled according to protocol.
“Every cost associated with his visit to the hospital was borne by the Ghana Police Service,” the statement read, urging the public to disregard the false claims that he was rushed to the hospital or returned due to financial constraints.
These clarifications follow concerns raised by Democracy Hub, a group advocating for Barker-Vormawor’s release, who reported that his health had worsened while in custody. According to Democracy Hub, the activist was taken to the Police Hospital after experiencing health issues, marking the second time his condition had deteriorated since his detention on September 23, 2024.
In their statement, Democracy Hub noted, “Oliver remains in police custody, having been one of the 53 activists unjustly detained during the protests on September 21, 2024. Currently, medical professionals are conducting tests to assess his condition and determine whether hospitalization is necessary.”
Barker-Vormawor’s health concerns have heightened public scrutiny of his detention, particularly after his bail was denied for the third time on October 8, 2024. While all 52 other activists arrested during the same protests were granted bail on October 9, Barker-Vormawor remains in custody, with the Attorney General’s Department opposing his release.
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, criticized the courts for denying Barker-Vormawor bail, stating, “It is still unconscionable that someone will be remanded in jail for two weeks without bail for this under the judicial view that it is to prevent him from committing further ‘crimes.’ Really! Now a judge is now a clairvoyant too?”
Barker-Vormawor’s legal team and supporters continue to push for his release, while the activist’s health remains a key concern.