As a result of the Fix the Country Democracy Hub protest, 18 people were arrested by the police, among them Oliver-Barker Vormawor Convener of the Protest.
Meanwhile, Felicity Nelson who happened to be one of the arrested protesters shares her story, discussing her arrest and time in remand. According to her, on day 2 of the demonstration, she was at home in the morning when she began to see reports about arrests at the demonstration site.
There was an incident involving a police van, which became a pivotal moment in the day’s events.
“The police were trying to tow the van away, and some of the demonstrators were trying to stop that from happening. It escalated when the police towing car was going to run some of the people over.”
Felicity Nelson Protester, FixtheCountry Democracy Hub
According to the information she received from videos, a tense standoff occurred when demonstrators tried to prevent the police from towing the van, and Oliver, a key figure, was seen taking the key out of the van. The situation continued to escalate, and she felt compelled to leave home and join the scene herself.
“I saw the little girl in the bus, who had been taken in the bus by the police… I said to myself, ‘No, I need to leave home and go find out what’s happening.’ I felt a responsibility.”
Felicity Nelson Protester,, FixtheCountry Democracy Hub
The Arrest: Sweeping Action by the Police
She arrived at the scene around 1 or 2 p.m. with a few others, and she waited to see how things would unfold. By around 3 p.m., the police stated that there was now a manhunt for Oliver, which was surprising to her because it escalated quickly from nothing to a full manhunt.
During this time, she went live on Facebook to update people on what was happening.
“They arrested me and everyone else. Even people who had nothing to do with the demonstration, like a man who was buying coconut next to me, and a patrol driver who was picking up customers—everyone was swooped up in one mass arrest.”
Felicity Nelson Protester,, FixtheCountry Democracy Hub
Mistreatment During Arrest
While being arrested, I witnessed the police using unnecessary force.
“I told them, ‘You don’t need to push me; I’m walking as you instructed.’ But they hit Ama Governor on the back, and she said, ‘Why are you hitting me?’ It was all so unnecessary.”
Felicity Nelson Protester,, FixtheCountry Democracy Hub
According to Felicity Nelson, they were all taken to the police headquarters, where they confiscated our phones and refused to give us clear explanations for the arrest.
“The man whose wife had just given birth pleaded, ‘Can two of the policemen come to the hospital with me and confirm that I’m not a protester? My wife is on admission.’ They told him to shut up and bundled us all into the police van.”
Felicity Nelson Protester,, FixtheCountry Democracy Hub
Detention without Explanation
They were taken to the railway’s police station, and at no point where they told why they were arrested. It was only after she insisted on speaking to a lawyer that they allowed her to make a phone call.
The investigator informed her that apparently she was being arrested for illegal assembly, but still, no formal charges were explained to us.
“I asked the police officer, ‘Why am I here? Am I under arrest?’ He replied, ‘If you don’t know you’re under arrest by now, you should come to that realization.’ ‘He emphasized”
At the police station, they tried to take a picture of her in handcuffs, and she smiled for the camera, which angered the officer. He demanded she stop smiling, but she refused, telling him he couldn’t dictate how should present herself.
In Custody for 17 Days
Despite the police claiming we would be taken to court on the Tuesday after her arrest, her name somehow didn’t make it onto the list.
As a result, she was detained for 17 days, exceeding the lawful 48-hour detention period without being brought before a judge.
During this time, there were calls for their bail, but it took an unnecessarily long time. Even after bail was granted on a Monday, it wasn’t until Tuesday afternoon that the court order reached the police.
“Bail was granted Monday morning, but by Tuesday evening, I was still in custody. I posted online to highlight how inefficient the system is. Even after bail is granted, people can remain detained for days.”
Felicity Nelson Protester,, FixtheCountry Democracy Hub
Standing Firm: No Remorse for the Cause
There were comments suggesting she should be in a sorry state. Ultimately, she was released, but the fight wasn’t over.
“Why should I show remorse? I know what I’m standing for is the right thing. I’m proud of myself, and I’m happy to lose my liberty for the sake of Ghana.”
Felicity Nelson Protester,, FixtheCountry Democracy Hub
The charges against her, including assaulting a police officer and destroying party paraphernalia, are entirely false, and she will continue to stand firm in the pursuit of justice.
