In a dramatic turn of events following protests by the Democracy Hub, prominent activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has been denied bail while 21 other protestors secured their freedom. The case, which saw the remand of 53 individuals into police and prison custody, has sparked debate over the treatment of protestors and the judicial system’s handling of politically charged cases.
The bail decisions came after an appeal was filed by defense lawyers challenging the Circuit Court’s earlier ruling. The accused were split into two groups, with different judges presiding over each case.
The first group, including activist Ama Governor and eight others—Emmanuel Gyan, Emmanuel Kwabena Addo, Ziblim Yakubu, Oheneba Prempeh, Philip Owusu, Kobina Akisibik Desmond, Von Coffie, and Sadik Yakubu—were granted bail. Each of the nine was released on a Ghc 70,000 bond with two sureties, despite state opposition. The court imposed additional conditions requiring them to report to the police once a week and surrender their Ghana cards to the court registry.
The second group, led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor and including 12 other protestors, received mixed outcomes. While 12 were granted bail, Barker-Vormawor’s request was denied. The court cited concerns over his potential to reoffend, as he was already out on bail for treason felony charges at the time of his alleged involvement in the Democracy Hub protest. The judge’s decision was based on Section 96(5c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows bail denial if there is reason to believe the accused may commit further offenses.
Justice Srem Sai, Barker-Vormawor’s lawyer, argued that his client had shown commitment to standing trial for the more severe treason felony charges over the past three years and posed no flight risk for the lesser charges related to the protest. However, the court remained unconvinced, instead directing that prosecution must begin within 72 hours or Barker-Vormawor may be granted bail.
In the meantime, appeal applications have been filed for the remaining 30 protestors, whose cases are still pending after their remand two weeks ago. The denial of bail for Barker-Vormawor, one of Ghana’s most high-profile activists, has amplified the conversation surrounding civil liberties, protest rights, and the judicial system’s role in balancing national security with individual freedoms.
