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The organizer of the Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has entered a not guilty plea to a number of charges after being detained during a three-day demonstration against the way the government is treating illicit mining, sometimes known as “galamsey.”
He was arrested along with forty-five other protestors over the claimed passivity of the government and the negative effects that illicit mining was having on the environment and society.
After being unwell and missing his court appearance on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Mr. Barker-Vormawor made his court appearance on Thursday, September 26, 2024, entering a not-guilty plea.
He is charged with a number of offenses, including assault on a public official, defacement of public property, theft, illegal assembly conspiracy, and offensive behavior conducive to a breach of peace.
Due to the demonstration, which brought attention to the escalating galamsey situation, there was a severe police crackdown, and the 45 other protestors were all placed under 14 days of police and detention confinement. The court has not yet decided on bail.
The protestors held by the police are allegedly being mistreated by them, according to Mr. Barker-Vormawor’s legal team, which also claims that they haven’t had access to legal representation since their detention.
Concerns about how protestors are being treated and the continuous suppression of civil disobedience have grown as a result of these accusations.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
