Accra: A court has awarded GHS150,000 to Bridget Otoo and other protesters following the #OccupyJulorbiHouse incident, where police actions were deemed unconstitutional. Alongside the compensation, the court mandated the Police Service to pay GHS30,000 in legal costs and issue an unqualified apology in the Daily Graphic.
According to Ghana Web, Justice Brew delivered the judgment, highlighting that the police officers violated the fundamental rights of journalists and activists during the protest. The court criticized the unlawful interference, assault, and abuse that took place, emphasizing the need for accountability from the authorities.
Bridget Otoo was reportedly assaulted, with her blouse allegedly torn by police officers. Another applicant, Vanessa Edotom Boateng, was unlawfully detained, and her phone was seized to prevent her from documenting the police brutality. George Gyening Anyang recounted being slapped, punched, and beaten with a metallic belt and baton while livestreaming at the regional police station.
The protest saw police using force to arrest nearly 50 people, including journalists. This incident sparked public outrage due to the excessive force used against unarmed civilians. The court's ruling now requires the Police Service to publicly apologize and compensate for the violations committed during the protest.