Political activist and legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vormawor has issued a strong caution against the increasing trend of police officers being used as enforcers of political power.
Barker-Vormawor warned that such actions undermine democracy and erode public trust in law enforcement.
His concerns come in the wake of an incident involving Nhyiaeso Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Stephen Amoah, who admitted to orchestrating the arrest of social activist Ralph St. Williams.
The MP claimed that Williams’ actions amounted to an “assault” after the activist recorded him on camera and posed what he considered embarrassing questions.
Barker-Vormawor, however, strongly disagreed with the move, questioning the role of the police in what should have been a routine democratic engagement.
“Yes, Ralph put a camera on an elected official and asked him questions he considered embarrassing.
“I am sure the MP was even displeased, if not annoyed by it. But under no circumstances should it be okay for Police Officers to stand at the beck and call of politicians to shield them from annoying questioning.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
He further expressed concern that law enforcement in Ghana has been repeatedly exploited by those in authority, transforming the police force into an instrument of political control rather than an impartial body committed to upholding justice.
Instead of serving the interests of the people, he lamented, the police are often deployed to assert the dominance of those in power, undermining public trust in the institution. “Those in power abuse power routinely in this manner.”
Barker-Vormawor believes that many Ghanaians fail to differentiate between actions they find offensive and actions that are actually criminal.
He noted that the police are meant to be a “law enforcement agency, not a ‘Don’t Annoy Politicians’ task force.”
A Call to the NDC Government
Accordingly, Oliver Barker-Vormawor warned the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) that allowing police abuse to go unchecked could undermine its credibility.
He criticized the recent arrest of Ralph as entirely unacceptable, urging the party to take a firm stance against such actions.
His remarks highlight broader concerns among civil society organizations and human rights advocates about the persistent use of law enforcement to silence critics, journalists, and activists, regardless of the government in power.
Barker-Vormawor also reflected on his personal experience with police misconduct, recalling an encounter with Deputy Accra Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Emmanuel Aryee Akonnor.
“This is the man who led Police Officers to brutally attack and assault me while in police cells, till I had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
His allegations extend beyond his personal ordeal, as he accused ACP Akonnor of being the primary figure behind the harsh treatment of Democracy Hub protestors. ” I haven’t forgotten your name and the way in which you insulted and abused us.”
The activist criticized the police under the previous administration for allowing themselves to be used as tools to suppress dissenting voices.
He argued that law enforcement officers had prioritized serving the interests of those in power rather than upholding justice and protecting citizens’ rights.
However, he made it clear that such impunity would not go unchallenged.
While he ruled out taking legal action at the moment, he issued a strong warning that accountability would eventually catch up with those responsible, emphasizing that justice would be served in due time.
The Bigger Picture: The Need for Police Reform
Barker-Vormawor’s statements contribute to the broader conversation about the urgent need for police reform in Ghana.
Civil society organizations have long decried police brutality, unlawful arrests, and political interference in law enforcement activities.
Analysts argue that unless there are fundamental reforms that ensure the independence and accountability of the police service, such incidents will continue to erode public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
The case of Ralph St. Williams has once again sparked debates on the thin line between holding public officials accountable and perceived harassment.
While some argue that activists should conduct their engagements with civility, others insist that politicians, as public servants, must be subjected to scrutiny and tough questioning.
Barker-Vormawor’s outcry is a reminder that in a democratic society, the police should serve the people—not the political elite.
The question remains: will the government take the necessary steps to ensure that law enforcement officers uphold justice without fear or favor?
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