Lawyer for the #StopGalamseyNow protesters, Noah Adamptey, says 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.
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.
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