We didn’t reject Barker-Vormawor’s donation – police respond to media reports
Information making rounds that lead convener for the #FixTheCountry movement Oliver Barker –Vormawor was prevented from making food donations to suspects in police custody in Ashaiman has been debunked by the Tema Regional police command.
They backed their claim by stating that they recently got to know of Mr Vormawor’s intention to donate food at the police station through some media platforms.
Also, the police explained that Mr Barker-Vormawor was told through his lawyers that the intended donation was against Police Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) on the feeding of persons in Police custody and was asked to refrain from such action.
“Despite the notice given him, he showed up at the Police station in the company of some other individuals and a musical band with the obvious intention still of making the donation and creating unnecessary drama,” it added.
The Police say it had no choice but to refuse him the opportunity.
“After loitering at the station for a while amidst noise making and inconveniencing other persons at the station, he and his group finally dispersed, the police further recounted.
“The claims by Mr Vormawor that he donated the food at the station but was later called to come back for them as a result of an order from above is false and should be disregarded,” the statement clarified.
It reiterated that it is the responsibility of the government that is discharged according to law and laid down procedures to feed persons in Police custody.
“However, due to our cultural sensitivities and arrangements, families of suspects are usually allowed to provide food to them from time to time.”
The Police Command also revealed that food items brought to suspects in custody are subjected to stringent safety and security protocols before being accepted and given for consumption.
“We wish to further state categorically that the Police are held accountable for whatever happens to persons in our custody, and for that reason, we take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. We, therefore, do not accept food from any sources except families and people nominated by the suspects being held in custody for that purpose.”
The Police Command wondered what Mr Vormawor’s actual intentions are, “since the feeding of suspects in custody is hardly an enterprise he can sustain even for more than a day.”
“We, therefore, urge the public to disregard his antics which are calculated just to court public attention. We assured the public that we will continue to discharge our duties to keep the nation safe and secure at all times.”
