The lead convener of the #FixTheCountry Movement and Democratic Accountability Hub, the organisers of the recent anti-galamsey protests, Osagyefo Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor has announced the commencement of a 3-day hunger strike.
This bold action, beginning today and lasting through Sunday, October 20, is a protest against what Barker-Vormawor describes as the “institutionalized starvation” of detainees in police custody across the nation.
“I am happy to report that just last night, the entire cell voted overwhelmingly and unanimously to declare a 3-day hunger strike to communicate their displeasure over the situation of remand prisoners across our nation’s police cells”.
Osagyefo Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Lead Convener of #FixTheCountry Movement/Democratic Accountability Hub
In a statement, Barker-Vormawor expressed gratitude to his legal team, led by Dr Justice Sai, for successfully securing bail on his fourth attempt.
However, rather than prioritizing his freedom, the activist has chosen to remain in solidarity with fellow detainees by suspending efforts to secure his release.
He will instead join the hunger strike, an unprecedented act of resistance by remanded prisoners aimed at drawing attention to their dire detention conditions.
According to Barker-Vormawor, the hunger strike was unanimously agreed upon by all 20 detainees at the Accra Regional Police Headquarters, in the “Striking Force” cell.
Hunger Strike Demands
The seasoned activist pointed out that the hunger strike demands that authorities immediately address the starvation of detainees, which he called an “institutionalized starvation programme.”
He argued that the practice violates the basic human rights of individuals who, by law, are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“I assure everyone that all the detainees- we are 20 as at the time of this message are fully committed to the strike.
“All of them take this step aware that the Ghana Police Service will take several punitive steps against them; including arranging for transfers to Nsawam prison or other police cells in order to break the front of the resistance. They are prepared for all repercussions”.
Osagyefo Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Lead Convener of #FixTheCountry Movement/Democratic Accountability Hub
In a show of solidarity with his fellow detainees, Oliver Barker-Vormawor called on Ghanaians to participate in a nationwide hunger strike on Sunday, October 20th, the final day of the protest.
He also urged the media to verify any information released by the authorities, warning that the police might engage in misinformation campaigns to discredit the protest.
The hunger strike represents a historic moment, as it is the first coordinated effort by remanded prisoners to demand respect for their human rights and dignity.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor highlighted the significance of this collective action, stating that all detainees involved are fully committed to the protest despite anticipating harsh reprisals from the police.
“They are aware that a war of misinformation will be launched to deceive the public. They are asking for your vigilance and discernment. Above all, they want Ghanaians to remember them as humans. They are humans too.”
Osagyefo Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Lead Convener of #FixTheCountry Movement/Democratic Accountability Hub
National Solidarity and Call to Action
Additionally, Oliver Barker-Vormawor noted that the Democracy Hub team would release more details in the coming days regarding the hunger strike and how Ghanaians can show their solidarity.
He urged all well-meaning Ghanaians to join the national hunger strike on Sunday to show support for the detainees’ demands for humane treatment.
The activist also called on the media to ensure fair and transparent reporting, encouraging journalists to push the police to allow detainees to speak directly to the press.
He emphasized that the hunger strike is not only a noble cause but also a crucial step in highlighting the systemic human rights abuses taking place in police cells across the country.
The hunger strike, led by Barker-Vormawor, symbolizes a larger struggle for justice and accountability within Ghana’s criminal justice system.
As the protest unfolds, it is expected to draw significant national attention, particularly as citizens consider joining the Sunday hunger strike in solidarity.
Osagyefo Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s bold decision to forgo his bail in favour of standing with his fellow detainees speaks to the depth of his commitment to the fight for democratic accountability and human rights.
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