Oliver Barker-Vormawor Calls Out Politicians for Enabling Violence Over Appointments
Prominent human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has raised alarm over the recurring trend of orchestrated attacks on the party and public offices in response to dissatisfaction with political appointments. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, he expressed dismay at how politicians indirectly fuel these acts of vandalism and called for accountability for those instigating such actions behind the scenes.
Politicians Enabling Destructive Behavior
Barker-Vormawor criticized political figures’ tendency to allow or ignore the organization of mobs to destroy public and party assets, particularly by individuals dissatisfied with appointment decisions.
“What is disappointing to me is that politicians continue to allow this—the mobilizing of individuals to attack party offices—because people feel left out of office,” he lamented.
He stressed that such acts of violence are rarely spontaneous and often involve meticulous planning and support from influential backers. “A lot of people know who is behind them, mobilizing young people to do this. Criminal accountability must extend beyond the individuals involved to the orchestrators behind the scenes,” he added.
Organized Violence, Not Spontaneity
Drawing from his experience with activism, Barker-Vormawor explained that mobilizing large groups requires deliberate organization.
“I’ve done mobilization for a long time. People don’t just stand up and mass up. It’s a process of calling people, informing them, and planning—this doesn’t just happen on its own,” he noted.
Unrest Under the Mahama Administration
His remarks follow reports of unrest and property destruction by party supporters upset over perceived neglect in the distribution of appointments under President John Mahama’s government. Barker-Vormawor reminded the public that party offices are legally considered public property under Supreme Court rulings, making acts of vandalism serious criminal offenses.
Accountability and Legal Action
He called for a stronger legal response to address these incidents and ensure the instigators face justice. “We must activate investigative processes because this has happened so many times and gets swept under the carpet,” he stated.
While acknowledging that disappointment over political appointments is natural, Barker-Vormawor firmly condemned using violence as a response.
“Everyone is entitled to be disappointed when not appointed, but no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. There is no entitlement to destruction or lawlessness,” he concluded.