The Ghana Police Service has been directed to pay GH¢150,000 in damages and issue a formal apology for violating the rights of now Presidential Staffer Bridget Otoo and two others.
The High Court found the Ghana Police Service guilty of violating the fundamental rights of journalists Bridget Otoo, Vanessa Edotom Boateng and activists George Gyening Anyang, whom they were duty-bound to protect during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest in September 2023.
The ruling follows allegations of unlawful treatment and infringement of their fundamental freedoms during the demonstration.
Reports suggest the police will also bear an additional cost of GHS 30,000 to cover legal fees incurred by the three in litigating this matter.
Also, the Ghana Police Service are to publish an unqualified apology in the Daily Graphic.
It will be recalled that during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest in September 2023, Bridget Otoo was assaulted, and her blouse was ripped apart by officers. Vanessa Edotom Boateng, a journalist with Metro TV, was also unlawfully detained; her phone was seized to block the recording of brutality.
Also, George Gyening Anyang was beaten with slaps, punches, a metallic belt, and a baton while he streamed events at the regional police station.
TV3 journalist and legal Practitioner Joseph Ackah Blay shared more updates on X wrote, “An Accra High Court has this morning slapped the Ghana Police Service with GHS 150,000 damages for violating the rights of journalist Bridget Otoo and two others during #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
They are also to bear an additional cost of GHS 30,000 to cover legal fees incurred by the three in litigating this matter.
Key conclusions
-Officers of the Ghana Police Service violated the fundamental rights of journalists and activists they were duty-bound to protect.
-Justice Brew described the conduct of the police as “unconstitutional,” citing physical assaults and unlawful interference.
– Bridget Otoo: Assaulted; blouse ripped apart by officers.
– Vanessa Edotom Boateng: Unlawfully detained; phone seized to block recording of brutality.
– George Gyening Anyang: Beaten with slaps, punches, a metallic belt, and a baton while he streamed events at the regional police station.
The Ghana Police Service has additionally been ordered to publish an unqualified apology in the Daily Graphic.
See the post below:
An Accra High Court has this morning slapped the Ghana Police Service with GHS 150,000 damages for violating rights of journalist Bridget Otoo and two others during #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
— Joseph Ackah-Blay (@BlayAckah) May 14, 2026
They are also to bear an additional cost of GHS 30,000 to cover legal fees incurred…