Leader of the Democracy Hub demonstration, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has accused the police of deliberately circulating sensational videos to misrepresent the three-day #StopGalamseyNow protest against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).
He claimed the Police highlighted isolated incidents of violence to create a narrative that the entire protest was violent.
“The first day of the protest passed without incident, yet the police kept issuing statements accusing us of violence. We responded by showing pictures and videos of people peacefully playing football. They were setting the stage to justify the use of violent videos later.”
He explained that this tactic diverted attention from the core issues being protested.
“When the press reports on police brutality, they don’t say ‘police beat protesters’—they say ‘police clash with protesters,’ shifting the narrative.”
He also highlighted two specific videos repeatedly shown during the protest—one of him taking the keys from a police vehicle, and another depicting isolated confrontations.
Barker-Vormawor argued that, these videos were used to distort the reality of what occurred on the ground.
He further vowed to continue his advocacy for a better life for Ghanaians, despite challenges and criticisms.
In an interview with TV3 on October 23, Barker-Vormawor expressed frustration over the persistent poverty in Ghana and the lack of significant progress in addressing it.
“I cannot understand why poverty in our society has not been drastically reduced. It strengthens my faith in the Ghanaian spirit that despite the fear many harbor, there will come a time when people stand up for justice. I’ve always believed in that, and I’m never tired of trusting that Ghanaians will show up for the younger generation.
“I do not understand how we as a society can watch our environment be pillaged and remain indifferent, thinking only of ourselves. It doesn’t seem right. The demand for dignity is something we cannot grow tired of,” he added.
Source: Adomonline
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