By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
Accra, May 14, GNA – The Human Rights Division of the High Court has awarded damages against the Ghana Police Service for violating the rights of journalists and protesters during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration held in September 2023.
The Court, presided over by Justice Nana Brew, ruled in favour of Ms Bridget Otoo, a journalist, and two others in a suit brought against the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney-General.
The Court granted all the reliefs sought by the applicants and awarded GH¢100,000 in compensatory damages, GH¢50,000 in general damages, and GH¢30,000 as legal costs against the police.
It also directed the Ghana Police Service to publish an unqualified apology to the applicants in the Daily Graphic newspaper.
The case centred on allegations of assault, unlawful detention and abuse of power by police officers during the protest.
Justice Brew condemned the conduct of the officers, describing it as unconstitutional and inconsistent with the duty of the police to protect citizens and demonstrators.
He said the officers, instead of ensuring the safety of demonstrators, subjected them to physical abuse, unlawful detention and interference with their professional duties.
The court held that the actions of the police amounted to violations of the fundamental human rights of the applicants.
According to the judgment, Ms Otoo was assaulted during the protest, with officers tearing her blouse in the process.
Madam Vanessa Edotom Boateng, a protester, was unlawfully detained while her mobile phone was seized to prevent her from recording alleged acts of brutality.
Mr George Gyening Anyang, another protester, was reportedly assaulted while livestreaming events at a regional police station.
The court said Anyang was beaten with “slaps, punches, a metallic belt, and a baton” by police officers.
It further criticised the conduct of the officers as an abuse of authority and expressed concern over recurring incidents of police misconduct.
It referred to previous cases, including the Solomon Joojo Cobbinah matter, as part of broader concerns regarding abuse of power by some law enforcement officers.
The court expressed the hope that the current leadership of the Ghana Police Service under the new Inspector General of Police would work to protect the rights of journalists, activists and members of the public.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest, organised in September 2023, attracted national attention as demonstrators protested against economic hardship, governance concerns, and corruption.
The protest was organised by a coalition of young activists and citizens demanding action on rising living costs, corruption and governance issues.
The demonstration gained widespread attention following reports of arrests, alleged police brutality and restrictions on journalists covering the protest.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Morkporkpor Anku – [email protected]