Oliver Barker - Vormawor lead convenor of #FixTheCountry, has shared an audio recording of a phone conversation with an alleged state minister.
In this recording, the alleged minister proposes a meeting involving the Minister for Finance. The release of the recording follows Barker-Vormawor's earlier warning to reveal evidence supporting his claim that he was offered inducements, including a $1 million bribe from the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, in exchange for halting his activism
The recording, which lasts around eight minutes, features a discussion between Barker-Vormawor and the alleged minister on the basis for potential engagement between #FixTheCountry and the government, particularly concerning national issues. However, Barker-Vormawor stresses the importance of establishing a structured platform for dialogue to uphold public trust in the movement. He also notes the necessity of travelling to Ghana for any such meeting. Oliver Barker-Vormawor
In response, the alleged minister assures Barker-Vormawor of his safety should he return to Ghana and offers to assist with travel arrangements. “You can have my word for it, your friend the General can also be a witness. There is no way the security agencies will do anything to you if you come to Ghana at all… I should not have any difficulty facilitating your trip in terms of logistics…” he says, proposing that only a small group, including the Finance Minister and Barker-Vormawor’s associates, meet initially, before considering a larger, public engagement.
Although the alleged minister offers to facilitate his travel, Barker-Vormawor declines. The alleged minister then suggests meeting at a safe house, while Barker-Vormawor recommends that General Kutin of the Ghana Armed Forces, also on the call, serve as a mediator.
Following Barker-Vormawor’s claims of a bribe offer from Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Ministry of National Security issued a statement denying the accusation. However, the ministry confirmed that a meeting involving the Minister for National Security, the Minister for Finance, and #FixTheCountry activists took place in 2021.
Barker-Vormawor maintains that he previously held a private meeting with Kan-Dapaah, during which the minister allegedly offered him the bribe. “A secret meeting was held between myself and the Minister for National Security at a safe house... He made the offer of $1 million to stop the activism…” he recounted to JoyNews in September 2023. He clarified that this offer predated the first #FixTheCountry demonstration and stemmed from government concerns over terrorism and the potential mobilisation of young people through activism.
Additionally, he disclosed that the minister hinted at a possible government appointment if Barker-Vormawor agreed to end his activism.
It is worth noting that National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah has since filed a defamation suit against Barker-Vormawor over the bribery allegation, and the case is still pending in the High Court in Accra.