Court Orders Ghana Police to Pay GH¢180,000 Over Rights Violations at #OccupyJulorbiHouse Protest
An Accra High Court has ruled against the Ghana Police Service, awarding a total of GH¢150,000 in damages and an additional GH¢30,000 in legal costs to journalist Bridget Otoo and two other applicants whose fundamental rights were violated during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Brew declared the conduct of police officers during the protest unconstitutional, finding that they unlawfully assaulted and interfered with individuals they were obligated by law to protect.
The court heard harrowing accounts from each of the three applicants. Bridget Otoo, a journalist, was physically assaulted by officers during the protest, with her blouse allegedly torn in the process.
Activist Vanessa Edotom Boateng was unlawfully detained and had her mobile phone seized, reportedly to prevent her from documenting acts of brutality.
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The third applicant, George Gyening Anyang, told the court he was beaten while livestreaming events at a regional police station, describing being slapped, punched, and struck with a metallic belt and baton by officers.
Beyond the financial award, the court directed the Ghana Police Service to publish an unreserved apology in the Daily Graphic newspaper.
The case traces its origins to September 21, 2023, when demonstrators gathered under the banner of #OccupyJulorbiHouse, an initiative organised by Democracy Hub to pressure the then-Akufo-Addo administration over economic hardship and corruption allegations.
Police responded with force, leading to the arrest of nearly 50 protesters and journalists. The heavy-handed response drew widespread condemnation and accusations of excessive force against unarmed civilians.
The court’s ruling marks a significant legal reckoning for the Police Service over its conduct on that day.
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