Noah Adamtey, one of the lawyers for the 30+ protesters arrested during the Democracy Hub Group demonstration, has disclosed distressing treatment of detainees, including a German citizen with a gunshot wound.
Speaking on ABC In The Morning on September 25, 2024, Adamtey revealed that efforts to get the injured foreigner medical treatment have been futile.
“He happened to be there when the protest was ongoing, and all attempts to get the state to allow him medical attention have proven futile,” the lawyer said.
In addition to the German citizen, concerns were raised about the treatment of a pregnant woman and others in custody. Adamtey noted that the woman, who was not directly involved in the protest, was seen taking pictures and has since been detained.
“According to the laws of Ghana, a person should not be given a custodial sentence if pregnant,” he explained.
He further stressed that the conditions at Nsawam Prison are unsuitable for her, calling on the Women’s Caucus in Parliament and the Minister of Gender to intervene.
The health of the protest leader, Oliver Baker Vormawor, also raised alarms.
Vormawor reportedly became unwell, vomiting throughout the day. Despite attempts by his legal team to get him medical attention, their request to have a doctor see him was denied.
“As of 11 pm yesterday, Oliver had not been attended to,” Adamtey stated, urging the state to allow medical care for his client.
The arrested protesters were arrested over the weekend for their involvement in a demonstration against illegal mining and economic mismanagement.
They have been remanded into custody by the Accra Circuit Court, with cases adjourned to October 8, 2024.