The Democracy Hub, organisers of the recent three-day #StopGalamseyNow and #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrations, has expressed disappointment over what they describe as the Attorney General’s “politically motivated persistent efforts” to deny bail to Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a Democracy Hub convenor and prominent voice in the #FixTheCountry Movement.

According to the group, the Attorney General's request for the courts to continue Mr Barker-Vormawor’s remand in custody—a request the courts have granted yet again—was unfortunate.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, October 9, the group stated that these targeted actions reflect a worrying pattern of the government’s oppressive tactics, designed to silence voices like Mr Barker-Vormawor that challenge the status quo.

“The government’s relentless pursuit of Oliver is a deliberate attempt to silence dissent and intimidate those who dare to speak out against the misrule and injustices of the government,” part of the statement read.

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The group continued, "With less than three months remaining in office and their three-year prosecution of Oliver on trumped-up treason charges unravelling, the Akufo-Addo government is clearly intent on using any means necessary to lock him up and punish him before their term ends.”

Their comments come after the convenor of the anti-galamsey protest organised by the Democracy Hub was denied bail for the third time since his arrest during the demonstration two weeks ago.

The court issued the ruling on Tuesday, following opposition from the Attorney General's Department. This latest refusal follows similar decisions by an Accra High Court and the Circuit Court.

In light of this, the group expressed concerns over the actions taken by the state against Mr Barker-Vormawor, which they said indicate the government's intent to punish him for his activism.

They claimed that his arrest and ongoing detention represent a direct attack on the core values of justice, democracy, and free speech in Ghana.

They noted that the actions of the police, sanctioned by the state, reveal a troubling trend of injustice and abuse of state power to target citizens.

The group also highlighted his denial of access to timely medical care, stating that such “callous treatment” poses a significant risk to his health and well-being and constitutes a violation of his basic human rights.

In response to these developments, the group has called for justice for Mr Barker-Vormawor.

“We call on the judiciary to act independently and uphold justice without bias. The right to bail is a constitutional guarantee, and denying it under these circumstances is a travesty. 

“The ongoing persecution of Oliver Barker-Vormawor is a clear violation of his fundamental rights and an affront to Ghana’s democratic values. We urge the government of Ghana to cease these authoritarian tactics aimed at silencing dissent,” the group said.

“We will not be intimidated. We will continue to demand justice for Oliver Barker-Vormawor and all others persecuted for standing up for truth and justice,” the statement added.