Alfred Tuah Yeboah, the Deputy Attorney General, has rejected claims that a pregnant protester was arrested during the Democracy Hub demonstration, which took place from September 21 to 23.
This comes amid controversy surrounding Gloria Vera Louise, a 4-month pregnant woman allegedly arrested and detained along with 12 others.
On Thursday, September 26, the Ghana Police Service issued a statement disputing the pregnancy claims, citing medical evidence that proved Gloria Vera Louise was not pregnant.
In an interview with Selorm Adonoo on Channel One TV‘s The Big Issue, Yeboah refuted allegations of arresting and detaining a pregnant woman, pointing to a police investigation that found no evidence of Gloria Vera Louise’s pregnancy.
The Deputy Attorney General asserted that scientific tests showed the woman was not pregnant.
“As I indicated in my interview three days ago [Thursday, September 26], it is the duty of the defence counsel, to bring information about their clients to the knowledge of the court and so, if the lawyer gets the instructions that his client is pregnant, it is the duty of the lawyer to bring that to the attention or notice of the court.”
“So, the assumption is that if the lawyer handling the case had notice of it, but did not bring it to the consideration of the court, then, that lawyer must be the one to be blamed but fast forward, it’s now settled, that the accused person who was later remanded as being pregnant is after all not pregnant. I read the police statement, they have gone through the processes.
“When the issue came up, I asked the police whether indeed someone within those remanded was pregnant and from what we have been told, that thing that someone in custody is pregnant is not true, it’s not true. From what I know, it’s been confirmed scientifically that, that person is not pregnant.”
Background
A peaceful protest turned violent between September 21-23 when demonstrators clashed with police. The Ghana Police Service accused protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and burning properties at 37 Roundabout in Accra. Currently, 53 protesters are remanded; 9 are in prison and the rest are in police custody.
The prosecution denies mistreating the accused, insisting they receive proper care. During the bail hearing, defence lawyers sought release, citing harsh conditions. However, prosecutors countered that the accused received adequate food, including meals from the popular local restaurant Papaye. This sparked defence outrage.
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing concerns over unknown addresses. The judge denied bail applications, remanding protesters until October 8.
Following court proceedings, remanded protesters expressed dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs. This follows Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 Democracy Hub members’ two-week remand in police custody, awaiting their October 8 court appearance.
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