Josiah
The High Court of Justice (Human Rights Division 2, Accra) has awarded a total of GHC180,000 in damages to former Metro TV journalist Bridget Otoo and two others after ruling that the Ghana Police Service violated their fundamental human rights during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest in September 2023.
Delivering judgment in the case Bridget Otoo & 2 Others v. The Inspector General of Police & Attorney-General, His Lordship Justice Nana Brew held that the actions of police officers during the protest were unconstitutional and amounted to unlawful interference, assault and abuse.
The court awarded the applicants GHC100,000 in compensatory damages and GHC50,000 in general damages, along with GHC30,000 in legal costs.
In addition, the Ghana Police Service was directed to publish an unqualified apology in the Daily Graphic.
The case stemmed from allegations by the applicants that they were assaulted and unlawfully treated by police officers during the demonstration.
The court found that Bridget Otoo was assaulted during the protest, with officers reportedly ripping her blouse. Another Metro TV journalist, Vanessa Edotom Boateng, was also found to have been unlawfully detained, while her mobile phone was seized to prevent her from recording alleged police brutality.
According to the judgment, George Gyening Anyang was beaten with slaps, punches, a metallic belt and baton while livestreaming events at a regional police station.
Lawyer for the applicants, Samson Lardy Anyenini of A-PARTNERS@LAW, had argued for higher legal costs, noting that the case had taken nearly two years to conclude.
However, Justice Brew declined the request, stating that excessively high financial awards could negatively affect the effective functioning of the Police Service.
The court also referenced previous human rights cases, including the Solomon Joojo Cobinah matter, while cautioning against future abuses by law enforcement officers.
Justice Brew further expressed hope that under the current Inspector General of Police, the Ghana Police Service would place greater emphasis on protecting the rights of citizens, particularly journalists and protesters involved in lawful civic activities.
Source: Omanghana.com
