A male protestor who has been released following his arrest by the police on Day 1 of the #OccupyJulorBiHouse protest has accused the police of confiscating his mobile phones despite gaining his freedom.When asked by JoyNews journalist Benjamin Akakpo to confirm whether or not his phone was seized by the Police, the protestor identified as Darko said "Yes".He then quickly added, "It is still with the police. It has not been returned yet.

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I still have my shirt with them. I have my cap with them and my two phones."According to him, he had been assured by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare that he would receive his items upon his arrival at the police's central command, however, that was not the case."When I met the IGP, he said when I'm free I can go there for it.

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I got there (Central Command) and I was told that unless the regional command is present, they won't give my items to me. I think apart from me and one other guy, everyone has gotten their devices," he added.He further narrated the maltreatment he and his comrades faced when they were detained by the Police.

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"When we got to the regional command, we were instructed to sit on the floor, which we said we won't because we don't know why they hassled us to the bus."These Policemen without uniforms started attacking us. So they forcefully took our phones from us, pushed us into an office and started assaulting us. Dela Goldheart was slapped on the hand with a metal bar. It was a slub of metal.

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One of our protestors was also slapped by a police officer inside the office and we couldn't record any of this because we didn't have our phones with us. They went as far as seizing my bank card, Ghana card," he narrated.Darko noted that he would be able to identify the officers if given the opportunity."One of them actually works with the Central Command. He was there and he witnessed everything. He is called Officer Bani.

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He was a witness to everything and he didn't do anything to stop what was happening within that office.On Day 1 of the demonstration (September 21, 2023), protestors were not able to do much as 49 individuals within the vicinity of the Jubilee House and the 37 Military Hospital area were arrested by the Police for unlawful assembly which the Police said violated of the Public Order Act.

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This action followed an application filed by the Police at the court on the eve of the protest to halt the demonstration.Following the arrest, reports of assualt against the protestors emerged on social media, which many citizens calling for calmness. Among those reportedly arrested were a BBC journalist and his cameraman. Several artistes such as Cina Soul and KiDi showed solidarity as they sided with the protestors.

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But the police in a press statement refuted the claim, noting that its officers had not detained a male journalist with the BBC.The Police clarified that two individuals who were among a group picked up were let go after they identified themselves as journalists.24 hours later after the arrest, there were reports that some protestors who were detained had been released. Media reports were not able to provide the specific number of protestors

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released.

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