The Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra has ruled that the Ghana Police Service violated the fundamental rights of journalists and protesters during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration held in September 2023.
The court, presided over by Justice Nana Brew, delivered the judgment on Thursday, 14 May, in a case titled Bridget Otoo & 2 Others v. The Inspector General of Police & Attorney-General.
The ruling found in favour of journalist Bridget Otoo and two other applicants, concluding that police conduct during the protest was unconstitutional and amounted to violations of their rights.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest, held in September 2023, drew national attention as demonstrators protested economic hardship, governance concerns and alleged corruption. However, several journalists and protesters reported incidents of assault, arrest and intimidation during the event.
Court details rights violations
According to the court, officers who were deployed to maintain order instead engaged in acts that included physical assault, unlawful detention and interference with journalistic work.
Justice Brew held that such conduct fell short of constitutional standards expected of law enforcement officers tasked with protecting demonstrators and the media.
The court heard evidence that Bridget Otoo was assaulted during the protest, with officers allegedly tearing her blouse in the process.
Another applicant, Vanessa Edotom Boateng, was reportedly unlawfully detained, while her mobile phone was seized to prevent her from recording alleged acts of police brutality.
The third applicant, George Gyening Anyang, was said to have been beaten while livestreaming events at a regional police station. He was allegedly assaulted with “slaps, punches, a metallic belt, and a baton,” according to the judgment.
Damages and apology ordered
The court awarded reliefs in favour of all three applicants, including GH¢100,000 in compensatory damages, GH¢50,000 in general damages, and GH¢30,000 in legal costs.
It further directed the Ghana Police Service to publish an unqualified apology in the Daily Graphic.
However, the court declined a request by counsel for the applicants, Samson Lardy Anyenini of A-PARTNERS@LAW, for higher legal costs. Justice Brew noted that excessive financial penalties could “cripple” the police and undermine their operational capacity.
Court raises broader concerns over police conduct
In his ruling, Justice Brew referenced previous cases, including the Solomon Joojo Cobinah matter, as part of wider concerns about police conduct and alleged abuse of power during public demonstrations.
He expressed hope that the current leadership of the Ghana Police Service under the Inspector General of Police would take steps to strengthen respect for human rights, particularly in relation to journalists, activists and the general public.
The ruling adds to ongoing public debate over policing practices during protests in Ghana, particularly in relation to media freedom and the right to peaceful assembly.
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