One of the leaders of the #FixTheCountry movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has made shocking revelations about the government’s alleged attempts to suppress protests organised by the movement.
In an interview with TV3 on Friday, September 22, 2023, Barker-Vormawor claimed that the National Security Minister, Kan Dapaah, had personally contacted him during his stay in the UK, inviting him back to Ghana for a discreet meeting, and allegedly also offering to cover his flight expenses.
He also revealed that the minister had threatened to arrest and deal with him and his fellow protestors if they continued to mobilize citizens to demand better governance and accountability from the government.
“We met at a safe house,” Barker-Vormawor revealed. According to him, the government made an offer fraught with financial incentives and appointments, in a bid to entice him and his team into stopping their activism.
In exchange for compliance, they were promised freedom to pursue their aspirations without restrictions. However, the government’s primary goal was to prevent citizens from taking to the streets.
Rejecting the government’s offer with unwavering resolve, Barker-Vormawor said, he and his fellow activists stood firm in their commitment to the cause. This defiance, however, was met with a chilling threat from none other than the National Security Minister himself.
Barker-Vormawor revealed that Kan Daaph had warned them that if they persisted with their course of action, they would face arrests and severe consequences.
“We’re offered not only money but appointment, that if we agree to stop this, we’re going to go, where we’re going to be free to do whatever we want. But the most important thing is not to bring citizens out onto the street. And when we rejected that, categorically, Kan Dapaah, the National Security Minister, said if we decide to continue on this course of action, we will be arrested and we’ll be dealt with and it’ll be over his dead body that any demonstrations happen. The government has tried every means possible to try to avoid us mobilizing as young people,” he said.
This startling revelation has left many questioning the government’s approach to addressing the concerns of the youth. The #FixTheCountry movement has gained immense traction in recent times, with young people across the nation demanding transparency, accountability, and a brighter future.
The government’s alleged attempts to stifle this movement have raised concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in Ghana.
The government has not yet responded to Barker-Vormawor’s allegations or to the demands of the protestors. However, some government officials have defended the police action and have criticised the protestors for being disruptive and uncivilised.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor claims monetary offers and appointments were made to halt #OccupyJulorbiHouse Protest 💬🤯#3NewsGH pic.twitter.com/VVZVlk5bww
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) September 22, 2023
