In court, a claim that the police failed to provide food to members of the Democracy Hub pressure group, who were arrested during a weekend protest, was dismissed. During the hearing on Thursday, September 26, 2024, the prosecution, led by Nana Akosua Kusi, countered the allegations, stating that the police even purchased meals from Papaye for the accused.
“The accused are being fed; the police go as far as buying them meals from Papaye,” the state attorney informed Judge Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah. This was supported by Superintendent Sylvester Asare, Head of Legal at the Ghana Police Service, who confirmed his supervision of the investigative team. “A budget has been allocated for feeding, and I personally oversaw the food distribution,” he added.
In contrast, the defense maintained that their clients were being deprived of food by the police.
The court has since remanded the 13 accused, who pleaded not guilty to six charges, including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct, assault on a public officer, and defacement of public property. The leader of the Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, faces an additional charge of theft and has also pleaded not guilty.
The case is scheduled to continue on October 8, with the court instructing the police to ensure that the accused are provided with two meals daily and have access to adequate medical care.
Credit:Graphic Online.
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