Oliver Barker-Vormawor, convenor of the anti-galamsey protest organized by the Democracy Hub, has been granted bail in the sum of GHS20,000 on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, after three previous unsuccessful attempts.
His earlier applications for bail were denied by both the Accra High Court and the Circuit Court. Barker-Vormawor was arrested during a demonstration protesting against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has inflicted significant environmental harm across Ghana.
The protest drew participation from several activists, all united in raising awareness and pushing for action to address the destruction of the country’s natural resources. Barker-Vormawor, in particular, has been a vocal critic of galamsey, urging for environmental reforms and stronger accountability measures in the fight against the illegal practice.
According to police reports, the activist was arrested for engaging in unlawful activities during the protest, although the specifics of his alleged misconduct remain under investigation. One of the incidents cited in his arrest was the removal of the keys from a police van parked at the protest site.
Despite these legal hurdles, Barker-Vormawor has remained resolute in his mission to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s environment. His bail release allows him to continue advocating for the cause, as the investigation into the protest and his actions continues.