Anti-Galamsey protest: High Court denies Barker-Vormawor, grants others 20k bail
By DL News
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Updated
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This follows his remand by the Circuit court after the recent anti-galamsey protest which aimed to bring attention to the dangers of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
A High Court in Accra has denied a bail application filed by activist and leader of the Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor.
On the other hand, the court granted another protestor, Felicity Nelson, and four others GHC20,000 bail with two sureties.
This follows their remand by the Circuit court after the recent anti-galamsey protest which aimed to bring attention to the dangers of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
According to police, Barker-Vormawor was detained for participating in unlawful activities during the demonstration, although specific details are still being investigated. He was reportedly seen removing the keys from a police vehicle during the protest.
Presiding over the case, Justice Comfort Tasiame refused his bail request, citing the ongoing investigation and concerns about potential public unrest if he were released. The judge also noted that Barker-Vormawor is currently facing treason charges, raising concerns that he may engage in further illegal activity if granted bail.
His defense team argued that his detention violated his constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly, emphasizing that the protests were peaceful and meant to highlight the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
