A significant development has unfolded in the case of the Democracy Hub protestors in Ghana, with 21 of the accused individuals being granted bail while Oliver Barker-Vormawor has been denied bail.
This outcome follows an appeal filed by lawyers against a circuit court decision that remanded 53 protestors into police and prison custody.
The 21 protestors who were granted bail were divided into two separate groups, with each group facing different courts.
The first group consisted of nine individuals, including Ama Governor and eight others – Emmanuel Gyan, Emmanuel Kwabena Addo, Ziblim Yakubu, Oheneba Prempeh, Philip Owusu Kobina Akisibik Desmond, Von Coffie, and Sadik Yakubu.
Despite the state’s opposition to the bail application, the judge granted the plea of the accused persons’ lawyers, setting bail at Ghc 70,000 with two sureties each.
Additionally, the nine individuals are required to report to the police once a week and deposit their Ghana cards at the court registry.
The second group of protestors included Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 others, among them Felicity Nelson. While the judge granted bail to 12 of these individuals, totaling Ghc 20,000 with two sureties, Oliver Barker-Vormawor was denied bail.
The court’s decision to deny Barker-Vormawor bail was influenced by concerns that he may commit another offense while already on bail for Treason Felony charges.
This concern was raised due to allegations that Barker-Vormawor had committed the offenses during the Democracy Hub protest while still on bail.
Barker-Vormawor’s lawyer, Justice Srem Sai, argued that the court’s concern should rather focus on whether the accused would stand trial when granted bail.
Sai emphasized that Barker-Vormawor’s history of cooperating with the court for the past three years demonstrates his willingness to face trial.
However, the judge relied on Section 96(5c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, which empowers the court to deny bail if it is satisfied that an accused person, when released, will commit another offense.
Meanwhile, appeal applications have been filed for the remaining 30 protestors who were remanded by the circuit court two weeks ago. The outcome of these appeals will be closely watched, as it may impact the fate of the remaining accused individuals.
The court has directed the Circuit court to commence prosecution within 72 hours; failure to do so may result in Barker-Vormawor being granted bail.
This development underscores the complexities and nuances of the case, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the legal implications and the rights of the accused individuals.
