The convenor of the anti-galamsey protest organized by the Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has once again been denied bail by the Circuit Court, marking the third time his bail request has been refused since his arrest during the demonstration two weeks ago.
The Attorney General’s Department opposed his latest bail application, leading to the court’s decision. Prior to this, both the Accra High Court and the Circuit Court had similarly denied his bail.
In contrast, Fanny Otoo, another detainee who has been unwell since her arrest, was granted bail of GH₵20,000 with two sureties. The case has been adjourned to October 14, 2024.
Ama Governor and eight other protestors were granted bail, set at GHC70,000 each, while twelve additional protestors, including Felicity Nelson, received bail under distinct sureties.
The bail granted on Monday came with varying terms, complicating the ongoing legal battle that carries significant implications for civil rights and environmental activism in Ghana.
Earlier today, the State filed an affidavit opposing the bail applications for 20 other anti-galamsey detainees. This came after the State claimed they had not been served with the applications, despite court documents showing service had been completed on October 2.
The judge has directed that the protestors’ lawyers properly serve the State, and the case for the remaining detainees has been adjourned to Wednesday, October 9.