Audio By Carbonatix
Lawyer for the #StopGalamseyNow protesters, Noah Adamptey, expressed that they were not entirely surprised by the court's decision to deny bail to #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor.
Mr Adamptey acknowledged that they had anticipated this outcome.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Monday, October 7, he said “I would say not fully surprised because we anticipated that the court might consider the provision in the law which states that if a person commits an offense while on trial, the court should assess whether to grant bail or not,” he explained.
Mr Adamptey further noted that Mr Barker-Vormawor’s lawyer had argued for bail, highlighting that he has consistently appeared in court for the past three years in his treason trial and would continue to appear for the misdemeanor charge as well.
However, the court ultimately chose not to grant the bail request.
"We were hoping the court would lean towards us based on that argument, but unfortunately, in the court's wisdom, they did not agree," he added.
The activist and convener of the Democracy Hub was once again been denied bail by an Accra High Court following his arrest during a recent anti-galamsey protest.
Mr Barker-Vormawor was among demonstrators voicing opposition to illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which poses significant environmental risks to Ghana.
According to police reports, Mr Barker-Vormawor was arrested for engaging in illegal activities during the protest, though details of the alleged misconduct remain under investigation.
He was captured during the protest removing the keys to a police van that had parked.
- Read also: Anti-Galamsey protestors: Ama Governor, 8 others granted ¢70k bail each with two sureties
According to the judge, Oliver is already standing trial on treason charges, hence there's no assurance that he will not commit another offence if he is granted bail.
His legal team argued that his detention violated his constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, pointing out that the protests were non-violent and intended to raise awareness about the harm caused by illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the Court has granted bail to another protester, Felicity Nelson bail to the tune of 20,000 cedis and two sureties.
While Barker-Vormawor remains in custody, up to 12 other protesters have been granted bail with varying terms, adding further complexity to the case and its implications for civil rights and environmental advocacy in Ghana.
Latest Stories
-
NAIMOS seizes excavators and shuts down illegal Riverbank mining in Eastern Region
1 hour -
NAIMOS dismantles illegal foreign mining network along the Bia River
1 hour -
Zelensky signals progress in talks with US on peace plan
3 hours -
Policemen assaulted in Jirapa; AK-47 rifles stolen
4 hours -
Bibiani tragedy: Toddler killed by moving Toyota Pickup
4 hours -
Don’t scrap OSP – Anti-corruption CSO demands review
6 hours -
GIS, EU vow closer security cooperation to boost northern border control
6 hours -
IGP leads major show of force with new armoured fleet
8 hours -
Two female prison officers killed in ghastly crash
8 hours -
Abolish or Reform? Abu Jinapor counsels sober reflection on debate over future of Special Prosecutor’s Office
10 hours -
2026 World Cup: Can Ghana navigate England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L?
10 hours -
NAIMOS task force arrests 9 Chinese illegal miners, destroys equipment at Dadieso
11 hours -
NAIMOS advances into Atiwa Forest, uncovers child labour, river diversion and heavy machinery
11 hours -
NAIMOS Task Force storms Fanteakwa South, dismantles galamsey operations
11 hours -
The Kissi Agyebeng Removal Bid: A Look at the Numbers
12 hours
