A victim of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest, Vanessa Edotom Boateng, has described a recent court judgement in her case as a victory for journalists, activists, protesters, and citizens, insisting that constitutional rights should not be suspended during demonstrations.

Speaking in an interview on Metro TV’s Good Afternoon Ghana and monitored by GhanaWeb on May 18, 2026, Boateng said she was grateful justice has finally been served after a two-year legal battle stemming from her alleged assault during the protest.

“This is a victory for all journalists, all activists, and all citizens that even during protests, rights are not suspended,” she said.

Reflecting on the incident, Boateng described the events of the day as traumatic, saying she was fortunate to have survived the ordeal.

“The trauma does not leave you,” she said, adding that journalists should not be subjected to violence while carrying out their professional duties.

Boateng recounted how she identified herself as a journalist while covering events at a police command but was allegedly assaulted regardless.

She also claimed officers seized her phone and forced her to delete videos she had recorded of protesters allegedly being assaulted.

Court awards Bridget Otoo, others GH¢150,000 over #OccupyJulorbiHouse brutality

According to her, colleagues and bystanders, including Richmond Rockson and a former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Inusah Fesieni, attempted to intervene during the incident.

Despite the experience, Boateng said she remains committed to covering protests and would not allow intimidation to deter her from executing her duties as a journalist.

“I am still going to cover protests. I am still going to do my job… I’m not sure that anyone or anything can intimidate me,” she indicated.

She also criticised what she described as delays in the judicial process, arguing that the case, which lasted two years, should have been expedited.

“I think this judgement shouldn’t even have taken more than six months,” she said, calling for faster handling of cases to ensure timely justice.

Boateng further urged security personnel to act professionally and respect the rights of journalists, protesters, and citizens.

“Protest does not mean suspension of human rights,” she stressed, adding that journalists “shouldn’t be assaulted for whatsoever reason.”

She encouraged fellow journalists to remain firm in their profession despite risks associated with the job, while calling on security agencies to ensure similar incidents do not recur.

The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest case stems from a three-day anti-government demonstration launched in September 2023 by the pressure group Democracy Hub.

Protesters, frustrated by severe inflation and alleged corruption, marched to Ghana's seat of government, the Jubilee House.

Police violently disrupted the gathering and made mass arrests, sparking major public outrage and subsequent landmark lawsuits.

MRA/VPO

'I don't think he read the law' - Afenyo-Markin launches blistering attack on judge in Abronye case