The Ghana Police Service has refuted recent social media claims that activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor was returned to police custody from the hospital due to a lack of funds to cover his medical expenses.
In a statement, the police described the allegations as “palpable falsehoods” aimed at gaining public sympathy.
According to the police, all costs associated with Barker-Vormawor’s hospital visit were fully covered by the Ghana Police Service in accordance with their Standard Operating Procedures for suspects in custody.
“Every cost associated with his visit to the hospital was borne by the Ghana Police Service,” the statement emphasized. However, due to doctor-patient confidentiality, the police are unable to provide evidence of the medical expenses.
The service also clarified that Barker-Vormawor was not rushed to the hospital, as previously claimed, urging the public to dismiss the “baseless claims” surrounding the incident.
This response from the police follows concerns raised by Democracy Hub over Barker-Vormawor’s health. The activist and convener was allegedly taken to the Police Hospital on October 10, 2024, after reportedly experiencing deteriorating health conditions, marking the second time his health had worsened since his detention on September 23, 2024.
In a press statement, Democracy Hub said, “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 ongoing health concerns follow his extended remand, despite repeated efforts to secure his release. He has been denied bail three times, most recently on October 8, 2024, with the Attorney General’s Department consistently opposing his release. While the 52 other activists detained with him were granted bail on October 9, his requests have been repeatedly rejected, prompting widespread concern.
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has publicly criticized the decision to keep Barker-Vormawor in custody. “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?” Cudjoe questioned in a Facebook post.
Barker-Vormawor’s health issues first emerged on September 25, when he and another Democracy Hub protester were taken to the Police Hospital after complaining of ill health. Since then, his condition has worsened, raising further alarms.
Democracy Hub has called on the public to keep Barker-Vormawor in their thoughts and prayers as they continue to monitor his situation. The group also vowed to continue advocating for his release, urging authorities to prioritize his health.
His legal team has expressed frustration over the repeated bail refusals, and public concern over his prolonged detention continues to grow.
