The Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra has ruled that the Ghana Police Service violated the rights of journalists and protesters during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration in September 2023.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday, May 14, in a case filed by journalist Bridget Otoo and two others against the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney-General.
The case, Bridget Otoo & 2 Others v. Inspector General of Police & Attorney-General, was presided over by Justice Nana Brew.
The court found that officers of the Ghana Police Service engaged in unconstitutional conduct during the protest. It said officers failed in their duty to protect demonstrators and instead subjected some of them to abuse and unlawful treatment.
According to the judgment, Bridget Otoo was assaulted during the protest, with officers allegedly tearing her blouse.
Another applicant, Vanessa Edotom Boateng, was unlawfully detained. Her mobile phone was also seized to stop her from recording incidents during the protest.
The third applicant, George Gyening Anyang, was reportedly beaten while livestreaming events at a police station. The court said he was assaulted with slaps, punches, a metallic belt, and a baton.
Justice Brew described the conduct of the officers as unconstitutional and condemned the abuse of authority.
The court awarded damages in favour of the applicants. Bridget Otoo and the others are to receive GH¢100,000 in compensatory damages, GH¢50,000 in general damages, and GH¢30,000 in legal costs.
The court also ordered the police to publish an unqualified apology in the Daily Graphic.
Although the applicants’ lawyer, Samson Lardy Anyenini of A-PARTNERS@LAW, requested higher legal costs, the court declined, saying excessive penalties could affect the functioning of the police service.
Justice Brew referenced earlier cases, including the Solomon Joojo Cobinah case, as part of wider concerns about police conduct.
He expressed hope that the current leadership of the Ghana Police Service would strengthen respect for human rights, especially for journalists, activists, and the public.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest in September 2023 drew widespread attention after demonstrators raised concerns over economic hardship, governance, and corruption. Several participants and journalists reported arrests, assault, and intimidation during the protest.
