Court Awards Bridget Otoo and Others GH¢180,000 Over #OccupyJulorbiHouse Protest Abuse
The Human Rights Division of the High Court of Justice in Accra has awarded a total of GH¢180,000 in damages and legal costs to former Metro TV journalist Bridget Otoo and two other applicants after ruling that the Ghana Police Service violated their fundamental human rights during the 2023 #OccupyJulorbiHouse Protest demonstrations.
Court rules police conduct unconstitutional
Delivering judgment in the case Bridget Otoo & 2 Others v. The Inspector General of Police & Attorney-General, Justice Justice Nana Brew held that the actions of police officers during the protest amounted to unlawful interference, assault, and abuse.
The court awarded:
GH¢100,000 in compensatory damages
GH¢50,000 in general damages
GH¢30,000 in legal costs
The Police Service was also ordered to publish an unqualified apology in the Daily Graphic.
Journalists and protester reportedly assaulted
According to the ruling, Bridget Otoo was assaulted during the protest, with police officers allegedly ripping her blouse.
The court also found that journalist Vanessa Edotom Boateng was unlawfully detained and had her mobile phone seized to stop her from recording alleged police brutality.
A third applicant, George Gyening Anyang, was reportedly beaten with slaps, punches, a metallic belt, and baton while livestreaming events at a regional police station.
Judge warns against future abuses
Lawyer for the applicants, Samson Lardy Anyenini of A-PARTNERS@LAW, had requested higher costs, arguing that the case took nearly two years to conclude.
However, Justice Brew declined the request, stating that excessively high damages could negatively affect the functioning of the Police Service.
The court also referenced earlier human rights cases, including the Solomon Joojo Cobinah matter, while cautioning law enforcement officers against future abuses.
Call to protect civic rights
Justice Brew expressed hope that under the current Inspector General of Police, the Ghana Police Service would prioritise the protection of constitutional rights, particularly those of journalists and citizens involved in lawful protests and civic activities in Ghana.
