The Ghana Police Service has dismissed reports circulating in the media that Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a leading activist, was beaten while in their custody.

Mr Barker-Vormawor has accused the police of assaulting him in a post on his Facebook platform.

"Only the weak minded resort to brute force and violence, rather than language, dialogue and human decency.

"To be assaulted and injured by the Ghana Police Service, I and others have chosen the silent protest of hunger as a response to our deplorable conditions; is beyond mind boggling and all that is morally reprehensible.

"I am still in pain from the injuries and beatings meted out to me without reason. But I implore you all to join this national hunger strike tomorrow. Let our hunger reflect our growing impatience with the indignity that is now routine in this country. We mustn’t let them win! A new Ghana is on the horizon! Believe!!!" he wrote.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the police described the claims as “false and baseless,” urging the public to disregard them.

“This is yet another attempt by the accused person and his cohort to court public sympathy. We, therefore, urge the public to disregard it,” the statement read.

The police clarified that Mr. Barker-Vormawor, who was granted bail by the Accra High Court on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, remains in custody due to difficulties in securing his sureties. He was granted bail in the sum of GH¢20,000 with two sureties without justification after facing multiple charges, including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, assault on a public officer, and defacement of public property.

The police further explained that on October 19, they received intelligence suggesting that Mr. Barker-Vormawor was allegedly planning to compromise the security of other inmates and the police station. In response, they attempted to transfer him to another cell, but he resisted.

“During the attempt to handcuff him, he sustained minor scratches on his right hand. He was then taken to the hospital, where he was treated and discharged,” the statement clarified.

The police assured the public that they remain committed to maintaining law and order, including ensuring the protection of suspects in their custody.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor, a vocal activist, was charged with multiple offenses, including the alleged stealing of a police car key. His bail conditions require him to report to the police twice a week.

The police continue to stress that their actions are in accordance with the law and that there was no use of excessive force in their dealings with the accused.