Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the activist and convener of the Democracy Hub, has once again been denied bail by an Accra High Court following his arrest during a recent anti-galamsey protest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Barker-Vormawor was among demonstrators voicing opposition to illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which poses significant environmental risks to Ghana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was captured during the protest removing the keys to a police van that had parked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The court presided over by Justice Comfort Tasiame, denied his bail application, citing the need for further investigation and concerns about the possibility of public unrest if he were released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, the Court has granted bail to another protester, Felicity Nelson bail to the tune of 20,000 cedis and two sureties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n