The Accra High Court has awarded damages against the Ghana Police Service after finding that officers violated the rights of three individuals during the 2023 #OccupyJulorbi protests in Accra.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Nana Brew, the court ruled in favour of journalist Bridget Otoo, Vanessa Edotom Boateng, and George Gyening Anyang, who accused police officers of assault, unlawful detention and interference with their freedoms during the demonstration.
The protest, organised in response to the country’s economic difficulties at the time, drew large crowds and heightened tensions between demonstrators and security personnel.
The applicants, represented by lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini, sought redress at the Human Rights Division of the court, arguing that their constitutional rights had been abused by officers during the protest.
The court subsequently awarded GH¢100,000 in compensatory damages, GH¢50,000 in general damages and GH¢30,000 in legal costs against the police service.
According to the ruling, evidence before the court showed that Ms Otoo was physically assaulted by police officers, with her blouse allegedly torn during the confrontation.
The court also held that Ms Boateng was wrongfully detained and had her mobile phone confiscated while attempting to record scenes from the protest.
In the case of Mr Anyang, the court found that officers assaulted him in an attempt to stop him from livestreaming activities at the Accra Regional Police Command.
