Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Convener of the Democracy Hub, has pleaded not guilty to charges filed against him after his arrest during a three-day protest criticizing the government’s response to illegal mining, known as “galamsey.”
Barker-Vormawor, who was initially absent from court due to illness on September 25, made his plea on Thursday, September 26, 2024. He faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit unlawful assembly, unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, assault on a public officer, defacement of public property, and theft.
Alongside 45 other protesters, Barker-Vormawor was accused of disturbing public peace. The other protesters have been remanded in custody for 14 days while awaiting a decision on their bail applications.
Barker-Vormawor’s legal team has criticized the police for allegedly denying the protesters access to legal services and mistreating those held in custody.