Gov’t Punishing Barker for His Activism- Democracy Hub
Pressure group Democracy Hub has asserted that the government is weaponising the courts and other bodies to punish activist Oliver Barker Vormawor.
They believe it is the reason, he has been denied bail after all other protesters who were arrested for alleged “unlawful assembly” were granted bail.
A statement issued by the group on October 9, 2024, said all signs affirm their fears.
“We are deeply alarmed and disappointed by the Attorney General’s politically motivated and persistent efforts to deny bail to Oliver Barker Vormawor, a democracy Hub convenor and a prominent voice of the fixthecountry movement. For the third time, the Attorney General yesterday, requested the court to continue his remand in custody- a request the court unfortunately granted yet again.”
“With less than three months remaining in office and their three-year prosecution of Oliver in trumped-up treason charged unraveling, the Akufo-Addo government is clearly with intent on using any means necessary to lock him up and punish him before their term end.”
According to them, this was evident in his “denial of access to medical attention; the politically motivated charges and remand; denial of bail based on speculative and prejudiced concerns”.
Barker was among the over 50 protesters arrested for allegedly engaging in unlawful acts during the three-day protest against illegal mining that started on September 21.
When they were arraigned in court last week, they were all denied bail but 51 were this week granted bail by a High Court.
In a post after Barker was denied bail on October 8, he wrote, “Ghana is worth the sacrifice! Stay the course! ✊🏾”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
