Barker-Vormawor, 11 other protesters remanded into police custody for 2 weeks

The Accra Circuit Court has remanded the convener of the #FixTheCountry protest, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, along with 11 other protesters, into police custody.

This follows their involvement in the recent three-day #StopGalamseyNow and #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrations organised by Democracy Hub.

This brings the total number of protesters remanded by the court to 51.

In court on Thursday, September 26, Barker-Vormawor pleaded not guilty to all eight charges against him.

His lawyer argued for bail on health grounds, stating that the police hospital lacked the necessary facilities to care for his client.

The defense also rejected the charge of unlawful assembly, maintaining that the protest was lawful and within the demonstrators’ rights.

However, the state prosecutor contended that, even if the assembly was lawful, the protesters engaged in unlawful acts during the gatherings.

The prosecutor also dismissed claims that the protesters were not fed while in custody, stating that the police had been purchasing food for them.

The defense counsel refuted this, asserting that their clients were only fed while they were being transported to the court.

Barker-Vormawor and another protester, Fanny Otoo, were absent from court on September 25 due to illness and were receiving treatment at the Police Hospital.

Barker-Vormawor faces eight charges, including stealing, defacement of public notice, and offensive conduct conducive to a breach of the peace.

The case has been adjourned to October 8.