President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed outrage over the continued remand of Oliver Barker-Vormawor, convenor of the anti-galamsey protest organized by the Democracy Hub.

In a Facebook post, he questioned the rationale behind the decision, writing, "It is still unconscionable that someone will be remanded in jail for two weeks without bail for this under the judicial view that it is to prevent him from committing further 'crimes.' Really! Now a judge is now a clairvoyant too?"

Oliver Barker-Vormawor was once again denied bail by the Circuit Court, marking the third time his request has been refused since his arrest during the demonstration two weeks ago.

The Attorney General's Department opposed his latest bail application, leading to the court's decision. Both the Accra High Court and the Circuit Court had previously denied his bail requests.

However, in a contrasting ruling, Fanny Otoo, another detainee who has been unwell since her arrest, was granted bail set at GH₵20,000 with two sureties. Barker-Vormawor's case has now been adjourned to October 14, 2024.

Several other protestors have also seen developments in their legal battles. Ama Governor and eight others were granted bail, set at GH₵70,000 each, while twelve additional protestors, including Felicity Nelson, were granted bail with distinct surety conditions. These varying bail terms highlight the complexity of the ongoing legal proceedings, which have significant implications for civil rights and environmental activism in Ghana.

Earlier today, the State filed an affidavit opposing the bail applications for 20 other anti-galamsey detainees, citing that they had not been properly served, despite court documents showing that service was completed on October 2. The judge has directed the protestors’ lawyers to properly serve the State, with the next hearing for these detainees scheduled for Wednesday, October 9.