Ernesto Yeboah: I was once in Barker-Vormawor’s cell; It’s traumatizing

I have an intimate relationship with the cell where Oliver Barker-Vormawor is held. It’s a place I’ve been before. I was not able to visit him as much as when he was in Ashaiman, where I saw him almost every day. Now, I’ve only seen him once. Part of the reason is that I’ve been supporting other Patriots who are going through this ordeal for the first time – they need all the strength they can get.

Accra Central is a terrible place. When I was arrested and held there, the place was overcrowded, filthy and suffocating. People even slept on the wet and dirty bathroom floor, with the toilet overflowing and flushing only occasionally due to lack of water. When someone needed to use it, whoever slept there got up, stayed inside and endured the unbearable smell.

There was no privacy or dignity. When I was there, a kind police officer refused all orders to put me in the cell. When other officers asked why I was being kept behind the counter instead of inside, he would say something vague but effective enough to end the argument. Then, one day, another police officer insisted that I be put in the cell. I told him he was right and even started to insist – after all, they were human beings there. But as I continued pushing, the police officer stopped me and said, “No, sir. You are a noble. I can’t do this.” The place fell silent.

Also read: Barker-Vormawor taken to hospital again as his health deteriorates in custody

It was surreal – I spent three days behind the counter without sleeping, just writing and talking to the police, but the horror of that cell haunted me. This is a story I can tell one day, or take with me to the grave.

I didn’t realize how deeply it affected me until I learned Oliver was being held there. The flashbacks came, my heart raced and I feared the worst. But when I visited, I was surprised to see that the place looked better than it did in my day. I mentioned this to him and we laughed. What a terrible joke! But that’s the situation when you’re behind bars. Your psychology is everything. Something must make sense to continue.

But make no mistake: Oliver is suffering. Being denied bail based on speculation is a cruel injustice. Keeping him there is inhumane. And staying silent about it is a crime against us all. We must speak. What’s happening to Oliver could happen to any of us. Let’s stand together and demand your freedom. #UntilWeAreAllFree #JusticeForOliver #FreetheCitizens #StopGalamseyNow

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