Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a prominent leader of the Democracy Hub and an outspoken activist, has exposed the inhumane conditions faced by detained demonstrators in Ghana’s prison system.
In a powerful message from his jail cell, Barker-Vormawor revealed that he and fellow detainees have been denied basic necessities, including water for bathing, for three days.
His arrest is part of a wider government crackdown on protests organized by Democracy Hub, a group advocating for greater accountability and transparency in governance .
Barker-Vormawor has been a central figure in mobilizing peaceful demonstrations, including the recent “OccupyJulorbiHouse” protest, which called for action against illegal mining in Ghana which continue to pollute water bodies and the environmental degradation.
The protest was met with arrests, as authorities accused the demonstrators of causing public disorder and violation of public order.
Barker-Vormawor, however, dismissed such allegations, arguing that the protests were a legitimate expression of dissent. Since his detention, he has continued to condemn what he describes as the moral decay in Ghana’s republic and the repressive tactics used by the government to silence activists.
In his jail cell message, Barker-Vormawor also addressed malicious rumors of his release, accusing detractors of spreading falsehoods to sow distrust among activists. “I remain committed to the struggle for justice and dignity in Ghana,” he stated. “I am prepared to receive twice the punishment of the next man,” he added, vowing to continue leading the fight for change.
His social media post on X further emphasized his unwavering resolve. “I hope future generations will judge our sacrifices favorably,” he wrote, calling on Ghanaians to remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. Despite the hardships, Barker-Vormawor remains determined to fight for a more just and equitable society, using his own experiences in detention as a rallying cry for systemic reform.
www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu