Activist Barker-Vormawor, Visited by Sowore, Finally Granted Bail in Ghana

Ghanaian activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who was detained for over three weeks and denied bail multiple times, has finally been granted bail by the Accra High Court.

The activist was arrested during a peaceful protest against the environmentally destructive practice of illegal mining, known as galamsey.

He and 52 other protesters were charged with various offenses, including unlawful assembly and assault on a public officer.

According to reports, this is Barker-Vormawor’s fourth attempt at securing bail, having been denied previously by both the Accra Circuit Court and the High Court.

As part of his bail conditions, Barker-Vormawor will be required to check in at the police station every two weeks.

Barker-Vormawor’s arrest and subsequent bail struggles have sparked concerns about the government’s response to activism and dissent

The presiding judge earlier on Wednesday expressed concern that the activist may commit further offences while out on bail. Barker-Vormawor is one of 53 individuals facing multiple charges, including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and assault on a public officer, stemming from the recent #StopGalamsey protests.

Lawyers for Oliver Barker-Vormawor, led by Justice Srem-Sai, filed a bail application at the High Court, but unfortunately, it was denied on Tuesday, October 7.

This wasn’t the end of the road, though – after multiple attempts, Barker-Vormawor was finally granted bail on Wednesday, October 16.

On Monday, SaharaReporters reported that Nigerian human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore visited Barker-Vormawor during his recent trip to Ghana.

Barker-Vormawor shared the update on his verified X page, expressing gratitude to Sowore for his solidarity and unwavering commitment to combating poor governance in Africa.

He wrote: I wish to express my sincere gratitude to comrade Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) for travelling from Nigeria to visit me yesterday at the police cell where I am being detained!

“The emergence today of a new generation of African leaders, who refuse to accept mediocre leadership and the indignity of poverty inspires me that the future of this continent will look nothing like its current station. Our struggle is linked, and Africa will be free in our lifetime!”

Credit: Saharareporters

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