Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Convener of the Democracy Hub, has pleaded not guilty to all charges following his arrest during a three-day protest against the government’s handling of illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.”
Barker-Vormawor, along with 45 other protesters, was charged with disturbing public peace. Although he was absent from court on Wednesday, September 25, due to health issues, he entered a not-guilty plea on Thursday, September 26.
He faces several charges, including conspiracy to commit unlawful assembly, unlawful damage, offensive conduct likely to breach the peace, assault on a public officer, defacement of public property, and theft.
The other protesters have been remanded in police and prison custody for 14 days while the court considers their bail applications.
The protesters’ legal team has accused the police of mistreating those in custody, claiming they have been denied access to legal representation.