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Tag: #FixTheCountry Movement

  • Joana Gyan has met requirements for December polls – EC

    Joana Gyan has met requirements for December polls – EC

    Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) in charge of Corporate Services, Dr. Bossman Asare, has announced that Joana Gyan Cudjoe will feature on the ballot for the December 2024 parliamentary elections.

    This development follows the Sekondi High Court’s decision on November 11, 2024, to lift an earlier injunction that had prevented her candidacy.

    Speaking on GHOne TV on Monday, November 18, 2024, Dr. Asare explained that the EC initially disqualified Gyan from contesting the Amenfi Central seat due to the High Court’s injunction.

    However, with the latest court ruling clearing her path, the commission will proceed with the necessary adjustments to reinstate her candidacy.

    “The EC’s position has always been that she was disqualified because of the injunction so once the injunction has been removed, the commission will take the necessary action. The road has been paved for her to be on the ballot,” he said.

    Dr. Bossman Asare emphasized that the Electoral Commission acted within the law by disqualifying Joana Gyan from contesting the Amenfi Central parliamentary elections.

    He further clarified that the EC was a party to the High Court injunction and would have faced contempt charges if it had failed to comply with the court’s ruling.

    “There was an injunction and it was the duty of the political party and the candidate to ensure the injunction was removed. Our position at the EC was that we cannot recognise a candidate who has been injuncted. Those who filed the injunction added the EC were part of the process and so if we had accepted the candidate for the parliamentary election at that particular time, it would mean the EC would be going against the laws of the country.

    “We would have been in contempt of court if we had gone against the ruling of the High Court barring Gyan from presenting herself as the parliamentary candidate. I believe we did the right thing,” he said.

    Background

    The Sekondi High Court, on November 11, 2024, overturned an injunction that had previously barred Joana Gyan Cudjoe from contesting as a parliamentary candidate.

    The issue began when a group of dissatisfied individuals filed a lawsuit, resulting in an interlocutory injunction that temporarily prohibited Joana Gyan from standing as a candidate, despite her decisive win in the May 13, 2023, parliamentary primaries.

    In response, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nullified the May 2023 election results and held fresh primaries on September 8, 2024, where Joana Gyan once again emerged victorious under the supervision of the Electoral Commission (EC).

    The NDC maintained that the September primaries superseded the annulled May election, solidifying Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s legitimacy as the candidate. However, the EC disqualified her, citing the injunction tied to the voided May 2023 election as the reason for their action.

  • Votes for Akua Donkor will not be counted – EC

    Votes for Akua Donkor will not be counted – EC

    The Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC) in charge of Corporate Services, Dr. Bossman Asare, has warned voters not to vote for the then presidential candidate of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).

    Akua Donkor passed away at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) while receiving treatment. The cause of her death has not been disclosed. She was 72 years old.

    During a forum in Accra on November 15, 2024 the deputy chairman explained that the EC, in agreement with all political parties, decided to leave Akua Donkor’s name on the ballot due to time and financial constraints related to the elections.

    This decision, however, does not change the fact that voting for Akua Donkor will result in an annulled vote.

    The event, focused on the impacts of election monetization, was organized by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), in collaboration with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and with support from USAID through the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).

    “Monitoring Campaign, Abuse of Incumbency, and Vote Buying for Comprehensive Party and Campaign Financing Reform in Ghana,” in Accra on November 15, 2024, he added that voting for Akua Donkor will be counted as annulled.

    “We discussed with the parties that the time is very short, and we have printed over 90% of the ballot papers. Considering the time, it is very short.

    “You know we have our senior lawyers… and when you look at our constitution, I don’t think the presidential elections can be postponed. Our presidential elections, the way it is structured, the last day I think you can have the presidential and parliamentary elections is on December 7.

    “So now, all of us, our role is to tell people that, although Madam Akua Donkor’s face is on the ballot paper, don’t vote for Madam Akua Donkor because when you vote, your ballot will not be counted; it will be annulled,” he said.

    “So please, I know you love Madam Akua Donkor, but this is not the time to show the love. The time to show love is… there are twelve people vying for the presidency; identify one of them. So, the Commission will continue to do sensitisation that although she is there, she is not part of it… let me answer: what if Madam Akua Donkor wins… We don’t think she will win.”

    Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Beauty Emefa Nartey, raised concerns about the use of inducements to sway voters.

    She emphasized that politicians, having taken citizens for granted, frequently resort to bribing voters to influence their choices during elections.

    “We can make Ghana better. In other countries that are doing better, it is the citizens who are making it possible. And I like what Dr. Bossman said, that we have to demand our democracy, and because we have failed to demand accountability, politicians have taken us for granted, and they will come to us with 5 cedis and 10 cedis.

    “And the one that baffles me is Maggi and ‘Bentoa’, like how? Even if you want to sell yourself so low, must it be Maggi and Bentoa? I am not encouraging vote buying, so whatever money is being placed, it is not democracy.”

  • Ghana among Africa’s top nations for election transparency and fairness – EC

    Ghana among Africa’s top nations for election transparency and fairness – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has firmly denied recent claims that public trust in its operations is eroding ahead of the upcoming December 7 general elections.

    This response follows a recent Afrobarometer survey by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), which raised concerns among some Ghanaians regarding the Commission’s neutrality. The report highlighted a perception that confidence in the EC’s independence may be waning, leading to doubts about its ability to conduct unbiased elections.

    Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, the EC’s Deputy Chairperson, addressed these concerns in a media interview, dismissing them as unfounded. He assured the public that the EC remains committed to conducting credible and transparent elections, emphasizing that the Commission’s priority is to uphold electoral integrity.

    To further demonstrate the EC’s commitment to fairness, Dr. Asare outlined various steps implemented to strengthen the electoral process. He cited the introduction of biometric verification systems, comprehensive training for polling staff, and enhanced oversight at polling stations as initiatives intended to guarantee an impartial election.

    Additionally, Dr. Asare emphasized Ghana’s strong reputation in Africa for conducting quality elections, asserting, “You talk about the quality of elections in Africa; Ghana is one of the best on the continent,” he stated, emphasising the country’s consistent track record in managing democratic processes effectively.

    In response to calls for a forensic audit referenced in the Afrobarometer report, Dr. Asare pointed to a publicly broadcast EC meeting held to demonstrate transparency, reassuring Ghanaians that the Commission has “nothing to hide.”

    Dr. Asare encouraged citizens to trust the EC’s proven record of managing elections without significant controversy. Reaffirming the measures in place to ensure electoral integrity, he promised that every vote would be accurately counted, underscoring the EC’s dedication to maintaining public trust.

  • 20 polling stations to receive extra ballots for 2024 elections – EC

    20 polling stations to receive extra ballots for 2024 elections – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that 20 polling stations will receive additional ballot papers for the 2024 elections.

    This decision is intended to enhance ballot distribution and ensure that all voters have access during the election process.

    According to a press release on Monday, October 28, this change follows thorough reviews by District Registration Review Officers (DRROs) and rulings by the High Courts aimed at resolving discrepancies in voter registration.

    The adjustments stem from insights gained during the re-exhibition of the 2024 Provisional Voters Register.

    This exercise allowed citizens and political parties to verify voter information and pinpoint potential errors.

    The EC emphasized that these revisions reflect its commitment to transparency and collaboration in refining the electoral process.

    “The Electoral Commission announces for the information of the General Public that, following the implementation of the decisions of the District Registration Review Officers (DRROs) and the High Courts as well as the revisions made after the Re-Exhibition of the Provisional Voters Register, there have been slight revisions to the 2024 Ballot Statistics submitted to the Political Parties and the Printing Firms.

    “The Polling Stations for which printing of additional ballot booklets is required sum up to twenty (20). The schedule of affected Polling Stations is attached for the information of the General Public.”

    “The revised ballot statistics including the affected Polling Stations have been given to the Political Parties, Independent Presidential Candidates and Printing Firms. The General Public is to take note accordingly,” the EC’s statement added.

  • Asthmatic-diabetic protestor being refused medical care by Police – #FixTheCountry movement

    Asthmatic-diabetic protestor being refused medical care by Police – #FixTheCountry movement

    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.

  • Nap time for EC officials as voter exhibition exercise sees low turnout

    Nap time for EC officials as voter exhibition exercise sees low turnout

    Voter registration exhibition points across the Greater Accra Region and other areas of the country have reported low public engagement in the ongoing exercise.

    The lack of participation has led to a situation where some Electoral Commission (EC) officers have been observed taking naps while awaiting eligible voters to request updates, challenge entries and other tasks ahead of the upcoming general election.

    Some EC officials who spoke to the media on Wednesday, August 21, noted that the trend of minimal engagement was evident from the first day of the exercise.

    According to an officer stationed in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, 27 prospective voters were recorded across three polling stations on Tuesday, August 20.

    However, the following day, Wednesday, August 21, saw a significant drop in engagement. 

    “Yesterday [Tuesday, August 20], we recorded a number of 27 for three polling stations. Today [Wednesday, August 21], as of 9:00 am, we’ve recorded just two. I think education should be sent out more, so people can come and register.”

    “But I think that the reason why people are not coming in is because of the shortcode that has been given to check your name online. We are also pleading with them that they should come and register.”

    The officers have suggested that increased public education efforts might improve turnout and encourage more individuals to participate in the registration process.

    The EC launched the voter exhibition on Tuesday, August  20 and is expected to end on August 27, 2024.

    According to the Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC) in charge of Corporate Services,  Dr. Bossman Asare, the purpose of the voter registration exercise is to assist voters in locating their designated polling stations.

    In a press briefing on August 19, the EC added that this activity will streamline the voting process on December 7, making it easier and less stressful for individuals to cast their ballots.

    “The commission is again entreating all registered voters especially those who registered in the 2024 limited registration exercise at the district offices of the commission and selected electoral areas as well as during the mop-up exercise, to visit the exhibition centres to ascertain whether they were assigned to the correct polling stations or not,” he said.

  • Praying on machines unnecessary, make things right – Kwesi Pratt tells EC

    Praying on machines unnecessary, make things right – Kwesi Pratt tells EC

    The Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt, has raised concerns about a recent move by the Electoral Commission (EC) regarding malfunctioning machines in the just ended Limited Voters Registration Exercise.

    On May 8, 2024, a member of the Commission, Rev. Akua Ofori Boateng, was seen addressing ongoing technical issues during the voter registration exercise through prayer.

    Gathering with party agents, Rev. Boateng led a heartfelt prayer, seeking divine intervention for the smooth functioning of registration machines and connectivity.

    See pictures below:

    She stressed the necessity for the machines to operate consistently throughout the day to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to register.

    In her prayer, Rev. Ofori Boateng stated, “We pray for the machines that we are using here, we pray for connectivity, we pray that they will work. We pray that they will work throughout the day so that everybody will have the opportunity to register.”

    However, speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Show, Kwesi Pratt criticized the Commission’s approach as inadequate.

    He argued that relying solely on prayers cannot restore the EC’s reputation, as many Ghanaians have lost trust in the institution.

    Mr Pratt urged the EC to prioritize upholding the integrity of the country’s electoral process to ensure law and order during the upcoming December polls.

    “The Electoral Commission has a lot to do to redeem its reputation. Take the limited Voter Registration, for example. Besides the incorrect figures, how can an Electoral Commissioner be praying over faulty machines? Praying on the machines is unnecessary. What is important is restoring Ghanaians’ faith in the Commission,” he added.

    Watch video below:

  • Ghana’s BVDs stand tall on global scale – EC

    Ghana’s BVDs stand tall on global scale – EC

    The Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, has emphasized that Ghana’s Electoral Commission boasts one of the finest Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) globally.

    Dr. Quaicoe highlighted the BVDs‘ robustness in accurately identifying voters and preventing electoral fraud.

    Despite encountering initial challenges at the onset of the limited voter registration exercise, Dr. Serebour affirmed the Commission’s dedication to producing a trustworthy voter register for the 2024 elections.

    Speaking on Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor on Sunday, May 19, the Director of Electoral Services asserted, “The EC has one of the best BVDs in the world in terms of speed and accuracy in determining voter identity. Posterity will judge us.”

    Dr. Quaicoe noted that although technical issues arose during the adoption of new biometric verification devices in 2020, the elections were ultimately successful.

    Moreover, he stressed that the Commission‘s decision to transition its officers to offline registration mode was part of the agreed process with political parties.

    Furthermore, Dr. Quaicoe disclosed that as of the conclusion of Day 6 of the registration exercise, approximately 2,900 challenges had been raised against certain applicants nationwide, with efforts underway to address them promptly.

    In parallel, the EC aims to register around 623,000 first-time voters in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise across the country ahead of the December 7 national elections.

    The 21-day exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, May 7, spans all 258 district offices of the Commission and is slated to conclude on Monday, May 27, 2024.

    Additionally, the Commission has established an additional 785 centers to accommodate individuals facing accessibility challenges in reaching the EC’s district offices.

    Permanent centers will be established at the district offices, while mobile teams will facilitate registration in hard-to-reach Electoral Areas.

    The EC will furnish political parties with a list of registration centers no later than twenty-one days before the exercise.

    “Anybody who has followed our elections will know that the technical challenges happened in 2020 when we decided to go for the new biometric verification devices. But it turned out to be a successful election,” he added.

    “Going offline is part of the voter registration process, so it’s not something new. We did more offline registrations in 2020 than in 2024,” he told Keminni Amanor.

  • I’ve zero interest in engaging in a coup d’état; Ghanaians will show NPP the exit – Barker-Vormawor

    I’ve zero interest in engaging in a coup d’état; Ghanaians will show NPP the exit – Barker-Vormawor

    Prominent figure in the #FixTheCountry movement, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor is currently standing trial for treason felony in Ghana.

    Despite facing charges, he emphasized that Ghanaians will democratically express their discontent with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) by voting them out, highlighting a commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles.

    During a recent court hearing, Barker-Vormawor expressed dissatisfaction with the prolonged trial, which has spanned over two years.
    “We’ve come here it’s been two years on trumped-up charges by the regime security but they have always insisted that I wanted to overthrow the republic or to overthrow this government. It is only an indictment of their own records. Their understanding is that they’ve so badly led this country that every mindful citizen [and] every sane individual will want them out of office.

    “We are committed to the rule of law and to the democracy we are subscribed to. Ghanaians will show them the way out, I have zero interest in engaging in a coup d’état.

    “Those whose business it is to engage in coup d’etat, if they do it, maybe Ghanaians will give them their support but as it stands now, we have always been clear that our advocacy is entitled to engineer for the rest of Ghanaians the justice that our democracy procures,” he told TV3’s Laud Adu-Asare.

    The hearing was adjourned to May 20, following a motion filed by his lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the charges against him.

    However, the absence of the presiding judge led to a further delay, frustrating the defendant.

    In a statement to TV3, Barker-Vormawor reiterated his stance against staging a coup, emphasizing his dedication to the legal process to achieve a fair resolution.

    He also hinted at a potential application to have his trial broadcast live, citing public interest in the proceedings similar to high-profile cases such as the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
    “I think my lawyers have to apply for Live Broadcast in this matter too. If the Supreme Court says the Gay Bill proceedings should be live for our people to consume; then surely the Treason of their democracy concerns them,” he wrote.

    The activist’s remarks underscore the ongoing tensions in Ghana’s political landscape and the fervent desire for transparency and accountability within the justice system.

  • Oliver Barker Vormawor kicks against Anti-LGBTQ+ bill

    Oliver Barker Vormawor kicks against Anti-LGBTQ+ bill

    Former leader of the #FixTheCountry Movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, expressed concern over the recent approval of the LGBTQ+ bill, highlighting its potential negative impact on future generations.

    Emphasising the importance of democracy reflecting the people’s will, he denounced the newly passed Proper Human Values Bill as draconian and blatantly unconstitutional, casting a shadow on the nation’s commitment to human rights.

    Barker-Vormawor warned that history will judge the Parliament and its members harshly for this decision.

    He said “ The passage of the draconian and clearly unconstitutional Proper Human Values Bill reflects poorly on our democracy and our commitment to human rights . 

    “Posterity will judge this Parliament and us harshly.”

    Parliament has passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.

    During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session  Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage citing human right infringement.

    However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage,.

    Speaker Alban Bagbin put the bill to a voice vote and the ayes had it. 

    As it stands now, Parliament has tabled the bill to the President’s desk for President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill to become law.

    The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy. 

    Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.

    Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.

    Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.

    Ghana is among many African countries that are working to rid LGBTQ activities in the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.

    Following this, the country faced sanctions from international communities. The U.S. imposed a first round of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the law in June, and the World Bank halted new lending to the country in August.

    The concern now is Ghana could face similar sanctions and be blocked from receiving financial aid from countries that uphold LGBTQ rights. But Parliamentarians have noted that Ghana is poised to withstand whatever pro-LGBTQ countries throw at them.

    Already, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”

    A portion of the UN Human Rights statement read “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”

    See post below:

    See reactions below:

  • #FixTheCountry movement provides defunct Gold Coast security customers mattresses, food for picketing at Finance Ministry

    #FixTheCountry movement provides defunct Gold Coast security customers mattresses, food for picketing at Finance Ministry

    On Tuesday, November 28, scores of customers of the defunct Gold Coast Securities besieged the premises of the Ministry of Finance to demand payment of their locked-up funds.

    Clad in red attire, the ag­grieved customers who numbered about 100, held placards with various inscriptions, including “more than 800 pension­ers are dead due to locked-up funds,” “release our money,” “pay us our money,” “our health is deteriorating,” and “act now, Finance Minister.”

    According to them, they are embarking on a 32-hour picketing at the ministry to express their frustration regarding the undue delay in the payments of their funds.

    On Wednesday, FixTheCountry convenor, Oliver Barker Vormawor, shared photos of the customers passing the night sleeping on chairs and, later, mattresses which were provided by the group.

    “Yesterday, our fellow citizens who were picketing at the Ministry of Finance over their locked-up Gold Coast securities investments spent the night at the ministry.

    “We were so heartbroken by how they are being treated that FixTheCountry took it on to bring them mattresses; and some tea.”

    He noted that on Wednesday morning, the customers were provided breakfast.

    To have their concerns addressed, Mr Barker-Vormawor, entreated all and sundry “to join them, tweet, and draw attention to what is happening to them. Their picket continues.”

  • I’ve spent my life savings to support the #FixTheCountry movement – Barker-Vormawor

    Convenor of the #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has shared the personal sacrifices and challenges he encountered during his advocacy for the past three years.

    He made this known after declaring his intention to take a step back from the forefront of the movements.

    “For the past three years, I have given so much of my life and time to mobilize and support the efforts of FixTheCountry and now #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements,” Barker-Vormwor stated in his tweet, shedding light on the profound commitment he has shown to these causes.

    According to Mr Barker-Vormawor, he has had his passport seized, a travel ban imposed on him, facing a treason trial, enduring five arrests, and spending time in jail on three separate occasions due to the role he played in the movements.

    “I have been separated from family,” he added, while stressing that he spent his “life savings to support the movement financially and logistically.”

    Highlighting the necessity for a transition, Barker-Vormawor emphasized the importance of new faces, new individuals, and new energy to assume leadership roles in the FixTheCountry movement.

    “Now I think it is time for others to step unto the plate and carry the people’s movement forward. FixTheCountry needs new faces; new people and new energy. This is the time we usher in a proper transition, for the movement to renew itself,” he declared.

    His dream is for “a new politics where empathy leads and social justice is routine and must endure.”

  • 5 arrests, PhD programme suspended, job loss: Barker-Vormawor lists losses as #FixTheCountry movement convenor

    5 arrests, PhD programme suspended, job loss: Barker-Vormawor lists losses as #FixTheCountry movement convenor

    Convenor of the #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has shared the personal sacrifices and challenges he encountered during his advocacy for the past three years.

    He made this known after declaring his intention to take a step back from the forefront of the movements in a post on X.

    “For the past three years, I have given so much of my life and time to mobilize and support the efforts of FixTheCountry and now #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements,” Barker-Vormwor stated in his tweet, shedding light on the profound commitment he has shown to these causes.

    According to Mr Barker-Vormawor, he has had his passport seized, a travel ban imposed on him, facing a treason trial, enduring five arrests, and spending time in jail on three separate occasions due to the role he played in the movements.

    “I have been separated from family; spent my life savings to support the movement financially and logistically. I believe that I have served my country all too well,” he remarked, reflecting on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of social justice,” he added.

    Highlighting the necessity for a transition, Barker-Vormawor emphasized the importance of new faces, new individuals, and new energy to assume leadership roles in the FixTheCountry movement.

    “Now I think it is time for others to step unto the plate and carry the people’s movement forward. FixTheCountry needs new faces; new people and new energy. This is the time we usher in a proper transition, for the movement to renew itself,” he declared.

    His dream is for “a new politics where empathy leads and social justice is routine and must endure.”

  • FixtheCountry announces plans to protest at Jubilee House on Nkrumah’s birthday

    FixtheCountry announces plans to protest at Jubilee House on Nkrumah’s birthday

    Key organizer of the #FixTheCountry Movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has revealed that the group intends to organize a demonstration named ‘Occupy Jubilee House‘.

    Through a sequence of tweets posted on Friday, August 11, 2023, Barker-Vormawor conveyed that the protest is scheduled for September 21, which coincides with the birthday of Ghana’s first President, the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

    He also mentioned that the Ghana Police Service will be notified about the planned protest on Friday.“Occupy Jubilee House. Enough is Enough. 21 September! Nkrumah’s birthday.“Good morning family.

    Today, we will be formally notifying the Ghana Police of our upcoming Occupy Julorbi house demonstration,” parts of the tweets read.

    View Barker-Vormawor’s tweet below:

  • Akufo-Addo has no reason not to step down – Oliver Barker-Vormawor

    The convener of the political pressure group, #FixTheCountry movement, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor, has said Akufo-Affo has no reason not to resign as president.

    This, he explains, is because he has failed Ghanaians amidst the current crisis the country is facing.

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who was part of the demonstrators calling for the resignation of Akufo-Addo, added that it is important for citizens to save democracy, hence the need for them to call for action.

    “….as far as I understand that Akufo-Addo himself said that if we ever got here and he was demanded to get out, he will get out, so I see no reason why he will not get out, unless you are calling the president a liar, which a lot of people seem to agree he is,” he said in an interview with GhanaWeb.

    Some Ghanaians showed up in their numbers to demonstrate in demand for better living conditions and also called for the resignation of Akufo-Addo, Bawumia, and Ken Ofori-Atta.

    The protest started at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and ended at Black Stars Square in Accra.

    Addressing the crowd, the convener, lawyer Martin Kpebu, gave President Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bawumia, and Ken Ofori-Atta a three-day ultimatum to resign after the “Kume Preko demonstration” on November 5, 2022.

    He said the trio must resign for their roles in the current economic crisis the country is facing while they get richer.

     

  • Police secure injunction against #FixTheCountry movement demo

    An Accra  High Court has granted the Ghana Police Service an injunction to stop the June 4 demonstration by the #FixTheCountry Movement.

    The protesters while notifying the police of their intended demonstration requested to be allowed to contract a private security company to provide protection for the demonstrators.

    They also requested to contract a private security personnel to be armed with weapons.

    One of the conveners of the #FixTheCountry Movement, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, Indicated that the group cannot trust the Ghana Police Service to oversee their demonstration on June 4, hence their request to use arms and private security.

    According to him, the country has witnessed several unarmed demonstrators been shot and killed by the Police, therefore, their request is to avert similar occurances on June 4

    The police on the other hand declined their request.

    In a press statement dated June 1, the Police explained that the nature and character of the intended demonstration contravenes the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 49).

    The Service, therefore, suggested to the group to  reschedule the date for its protest while working with the Police to organise a “lawful, peaceful and successful demonstration.”

    What does PUBLIC ORDER ACT, 1994 ACT 491 say:

    Section 4 notes that “Where a police officer notified of a special event under subsection (1) has reasonable grounds to believe that the special event if held may lead to violence or endanger public defence, public order, public safety, public health or the running of essential services or violate the rights and freedoms of any other  persons, the police officer may request the organiser to postpone the special event to any other date or to relocate the special event.”

    Per Section 5, an organiser requested to postpone or relocate the holding of a special event shall “within forty-eight hours of the request, notify the police officer in writing of the willingness to comply.”

    Section 6 adds that Where the organiser refuses to comply with the request or fails to notify the police officer, “the police officer may apply to a Justice or the chairman of a Regional Tribunal for an order to prohibit the holding of the special event on the proposed date or at the proposed location.

    However, the group refused to reschedule their protest as suggested by the police.

    With the resistant to comply with the directive from the Ghana police service, they filed a motion asking the high court to restrain the protestors from embarking on their armed demonstration.

    Although the representatives of the #FixTheCountry Movement were served, neither they nor their lawyers were present in court.

    Giving her verdict, the Judge, Comfort Kwasiwoo Tsiawoo granted the police service an injection to restrain the FixTheCountry Movement from demonstrating.

    She explained that the way the protesters intend to carry out the demonstration poses a security threat.

    Source: The Independent Ghana