Accra High Court Denies Bail to Democracy Hub Leader Amid Illegal Mining Protests

A High Court in Accra has denied bail to Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a leader of the pressure group Democracy Hub, following the group’s 3-day protest in late September.

The protest called for urgent government action against the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities affecting water bodies and forests in Ghana.

The court, in its ruling, stated that Barker-Vormawor’s bail was denied due to ongoing investigations and concerns about potential public unrest if he were released.

The judge also noted that Barker-Vormawor is currently out on bail for a treason charge in a separate case, which contributed to the decision to deny him bail for this new offence.

Barker-Vormawor’s legal team argued that his detention violated his constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, asserting that the protests were non-violent and aimed at raising awareness about illegal mining’s negative impacts. Despite this, the court decided to keep him in custody.

Meanwhile, Ama Governor, a young lawyer and activist who was also arrested during the protests, was granted bail of GH¢70,000 (approximately $4,423) alongside eight other protesters.

The court had initially placed the arrested protesters on a 2-week remand following their detention.

 

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