Anti-galamsey protest: Court grants bail to Ama Governor, 8 others, denies Barker Vormawor

Accra, Ghana - October 7, 2024 - An Accra High Court has refused to grant bail to Oliver Barker Vormawor, a lead figure in the Democracy Hub protest, citing concerns over potential re-offending.

Vormawor faces charges related to the protest, while already on bail for treason felony charges.

The court granted GH₵20,000 bail to five co-accused, including Felicity Nelson, but denied Vormawor's request due to his prior release on bail. The presiding judge referenced the Criminal Procedure Act, section 96(5c), which allows bail denial if there's a reasonable fear of further offenses.

Vormawor's lawyer, Justice Srem Sai, argued that his client's consistent court appearances in the treason case demonstrated his willingness to stand trial. However, the court maintained that public safety concerns outweighed Vormawor's assurances.

This ruling follows a recent decision by an Accra High Court, granting GH₵70,000 bail to Ama Governor and eight other protesters involved in an anti-galamsey demonstration.

The protesters, including Emmanuel Gyan, Emmanuel Kwabena Addo, Ziblim Yakubu, Oheneba Prempeh, Philip Owusu Kwabena, Akisibik Desmond, Von Coffie, and Sadik Yakubu, are required to report to the police once a week.

Source: Lead News Online