The Ghana Police Service has clarified that Gloria Vera Louise, one of the protesters arrested during the Democracy Hub demonstration, is not pregnant, contrary to earlier claims.
Gloria was reportedly said to be four months pregnant at the time of her arrest and subsequent two-week remand.
However, in a statement, the police revealed that medical examinations conducted at independent health facilities confirmed that Gloria is not pregnant.
The police further noted that there were no visible signs of pregnancy during her arrest.
“In the case of the alleged pregnant woman, Gloria Vera Louise, We would like to clarify that at the time of the arrest, there was no visible indication that she was pregnant. Additionally, at no point during the arrest or subsequent interactions did the said suspect inform the Police of a pregnancy. Again, there was no communication to the court of any such condition, either by herself or through her lawyers.
“In order to establish the veracity or otherwise of the claim in the public domain of the alleged pregnancy, the Police took the initiative and sent her to the Police Hospital and an independent health facility for a thorough medical examination. Both medical results came out negative, suggesting that Gloria Vera Louise, is not pregnant as claimed.”
The Office of the Attorney General had earlier expressed disappointment regarding the failure of Gloria’s lawyers for not informing the court about her pregnancy during the bail hearing.
The police have also charged Grace Asantewaa, the woman who allegedly exposed a child to harm during a recent demonstration.
“The Ghana Police Service has charged Grace Asantewaa with the offence of exposing a child to danger, by bringing her to the demonstration grounds, contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
We would like to use this opportunity to advise members of the public to be mindful of involving our beloved children in activities that have the potential to expose them to danger.”
Between September 21 and 23, police apprehended 54 protesters, citing multiple charges.