Convenor for the #FixTheCountry movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has announced his determination to persistently challenge Ghana’s political establishment, even going as far as invoking the notion of a coup d’état.
The activist holds the view that the mere suggestion of a coup unsettles the politicians of Ghana’s 4th Republic, making it a powerful tool to keep them accountable.
He expressed his perspective by saying, “When I talk about taking legal action, they dismiss it as they control the courts. When I talk about organizing protests, they dismiss it as they control the police. When I talk about revolution, they dismiss it as the people are disorganized.
“But when I mention a coup, they arrest me. Why? Now that I see it’s the only thing that makes you anxious, I’ll continue to mock you corrupt individuals with coup references until the people gather their strength and rise up! Or until you develop high blood pressure from constant worry.”
Barker-Vormawor is currently facing accusations of conspiring to overthrow the government and has been formally charged with treason felony. His arrest in February 2022 was prompted by a social media post that law enforcement interpreted as a direct expression of intent to undermine the country’s constitution, potentially through a coup.
In recent times, the West African region has witnessed a series of coup d’état events, raising concerns about the potential expansion of such incidents in neighboring countries.
Nevertheless, Ghana’s Defense Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, has categorically dismissed any concerns regarding a potential military takeover in Ghana. Nitiwul has underscored that unlike other West African nations such as Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Ghana’s Armed Forces are unwavering in their commitment to uphold the constitution.
He highlighted that the defense of the constitution takes precedence over any actions that could undermine it, including coup attempts.