The prosecution responsible for handling the cases of the Democracy Hub protesters has denied allegations of mistreatment while in custody, asserting that the detainees are receiving proper care.

Currently, 53 protesters are remanded, with nine individuals in prison and the rest in police custody.

The situation has become contentious, as defence lawyers have claimed that their clients are being subjected to maltreatment, including a lack of food and medical care.

• Read also: Barker-Vormawor, 12 other protesters remanded in police custody for 2 weeks

Justice Srem Sai, representing Oliver Barker-Vormawor, argued that his client and others in custody were experiencing distress due to inadequate medical attention, especially during emergencies.

He alleged that Mr Barker-Vormawor only received medical assistance after collapsing in detention.

The defence team pushed for the release of the accused during the bail hearing, highlighting these concerns about their conditions in custody.

In response, the prosecution countered these claims by stating that the remanded protesters are being adequately fed, even receiving meals from Papaye, a popular local restaurant.

This assertion drew outrage from the defence, who found it hard to believe that quality care was being provided.

Superintendent Sylvester Asare, the head of legal for the Ghana Police Service, backed the prosecution’s claims, stating that he personally oversaw the food distribution to the detainees.

The prosecution also opposed bail for the protesters, citing concerns regarding the unknown addresses of some of the accused.

After reviewing the arguments presented by both sides, the judge denied the bail applications, leading to the remand of the protesters until their next court appearance on October 8.

This decision underscores the ongoing tension surrounding the cases and the treatment of the detainees.

Following the court proceedings, the remanded protesters expressed their dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs, reflecting their discontent with the legal process.

The case remains a significant point of contention, especially after Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 other members of the Democracy Hub were remanded in police custody for two weeks.

This brings the total number of individuals charged for their involvement in the protest disturbances to 53, highlighting the scale of the ongoing situation.