Lead Convener of the Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been granted bail set at GHS 20,000 following his arrest by the Ghana Police Service during a recent #GalamseyMustStop protest.
This decision comes after three previous bail requests were denied.
Mr. Barker-Vormawor, alongside other concerned Ghanaians, participated in the demonstration to urge the government to halt galamsey activities, which have severely impacted the environment and the livelihoods of residents in mining communities.
The police stated that Barker-Vormawor was arrested for allegedly tampering with a police truck by turning off and removing its key during the protest.
In court, Justice Comfort Tasiame denied his earlier bail applications, citing the need for further investigation and concerns regarding potential public unrest if he were released.
The judge expressed apprehension that granting bail could lead to further offenses, referencing Section 96(5c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows courts to deny bail when there is reasonable fear of additional criminal activity.
In contrast, Barker-Vormawor’s legal team argued that his arrest infringed upon his constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, emphasizing that the protests were non-violent and aimed at raising awareness of the dangers posed by galamsey.
The court’s ruling also mandated that the Circuit Court initiate prosecution within 72 hours, warning that failure to do so could lead to a reevaluation of Barker-Vormawor’s bail status.
