The Accra High Court has granted bail to Oliver Barker-Vormawor, leader of the activist group Democracy Hub, after being detained for over three weeks.
The court set his bail at GHC20,000, with two sureties, and ordered him to report to the police twice a week. Barker-Vormawor’s bail marks a turning point following multiple denials by the Accra Circuit Court and the High Court since his arrest on September 23, 2024.
Barker-Vormawor was apprehended during a protest against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which has caused severe environmental degradation across Ghana.
Several activists, including Barker-Vormawor, participated in the demonstration to raise awareness about the destructive practice.
According to police reports, Barker-Vormawor was detained for engaging in unlawful activities during the protest, including removing the keys from a police van parked at the demonstration site.
The specific details of his alleged misconduct remain under investigation.
Despite the controversy surrounding his arrest, supporters of Barker-Vormawor continue to rally behind him, citing the importance of free speech and the right to protest against environmental harm.
Democracy Hub and other civil society groups have expressed concern over what they see as an attempt to stifle activism.
