Court Awards GH¢150k Against Ghana Police for Abusing Bridget Otoo and Two Others
Credit: citinewsroom
An Accra High Court has awarded GH¢150,000 in damages against the Ghana Police Service for violating the fundamental human rights of journalist Bridget Otoo and two other individuals during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
The court also ordered the police to pay an additional GH¢30,000 to cover the legal costs incurred by the three applicants in pursuing the case.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, May 14, Justice Brew ruled that officers of the Ghana Police Service acted unlawfully and breached the constitutional rights of the victims, despite their duty to protect citizens and uphold the law.
According to the court, the actions of the police during the protest were unconstitutional and included physical assault, unlawful detention, and interference with the applicants’ personal freedoms.
Details of the Violations
The court outlined separate acts of abuse suffered by each of the three applicants:
Bridget Otoo was physically assaulted by police officers, with her blouse reportedly torn during the incident.
Vanessa Edotom Boateng was unlawfully detained, and her mobile phone was seized in an attempt to prevent her from recording alleged police misconduct.
George Gyening Anyang was severely assaulted while livestreaming events at the regional police headquarters. The court heard he was slapped, punched, and beaten with a metallic belt and baton by officers.
Court Orders Public Apology
In addition to the monetary compensation, the High Court directed the Ghana Police Service to publish an unqualified apology to the victims in the state-owned newspaper, Daily Graphic.
Background to the #OccupyJulorbiHouse Protest
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest became one of Ghana’s most prominent youth-led demonstrations, drawing national and international attention. Protesters demanded improved governance, economic accountability, and social justice.
The ruling is being viewed as a significant victory for civil liberties and a strong reminder that state institutions can be held accountable when they violate citizens’ constitutional rights.
