The Atta-Mills Institute has issued a strong statement condemning the actions of Oliver Barker-Vormawor, leader of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest movement, after he was captured on camera removing and throwing away the keys of a police car.

In a statement posted on X, the Institute's founder, Samuel Koku Anyidoho, called on all civil-minded Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to openly condemn Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s actions, describing them as “extreme lawlessness” and “provocation.”

“The Atta-Mills Institute is deeply concerned about the escalating tensions between protesters and security forces. We urge all CSOs to boldly and openly condemn the actions of Oliver Barker-Vormawor, which have the potential to undermine the peaceful nature of the protests,” the statement read.

The Institute emphasised the importance of maintaining peaceful and lawful conduct during demonstrations, stressing that provoking the police and engaging in lawlessness would only jeopardise the legitimacy of the protesters’ demands.

“We must not provoke the police. We must not encourage lawlessness. We must promote peaceful and lawful conduct, even as we demand accountability and justice from our leaders,” the statement added.

The #OccupyJulorbiHouse movement has been protesting against the soaring cost of living and demanding economic reforms from the government.

While the Institute acknowledged the protesters’ right to peaceful assembly, it cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions and undermine the movement’s objectives.

The Atta-Mills Institute’s call to action has been echoed by other civil society groups, who have also condemned Barker-Vormawor’s actions and urged protesters to maintain peaceful conduct.