I’m in Ghana, Not on the Run – Barker-Vormawor Refutes Police Manhunt Claims

Oliver Barker-Vormawor, convener of the Democracy Hub protest, has dismissed claims by the Ghana Police Service that he is on the run and has been declared wanted. He described the police’s statements as “baseless and misleading.”

On Sunday, September 22, 2024, the police announced the arrest of 42 members of the Democracy Hub group following their protest and indicated they were on a manhunt for Barker-Vormawor, one of the protest leaders.

However, in a Facebook post on Monday, September 23, the human rights activist refuted these claims, stating that he has been in constant communication with senior police officers regarding his whereabouts.

“It has come to my attention that the Ghana Police Service has issued press statements suggesting they are on a manhunt for me, creating the false impression that I am on the run. These claims are baseless and misleading, as I have been in consistent communication with senior officers within the police hierarchy regarding my whereabouts and availability,” Barker-Vormawor wrote.

He further revealed that he has instructed his legal team to engage with the police to clarify where they expect him to report.

“In light of these developments, I have instructed my lawyers to urgently engage with the Ghana Police Service to seek clarification on which specific police station or office they wish me to report to. My legal team is prepared to cooperate and will be in touch with the relevant authorities to ascertain the appropriate steps required,” he added.

Barker-Vormawor reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and emphasized his willingness to address any issues raised by the police in accordance with due process. He expressed hope that the engagement would clarify the situation and prevent any further misrepresentation.

However, latest police release indicated that, Oliver has been arrested and with five others members of the demonstrators for act of unlawful during the demonstration.