The state's decision to hold demonstrators accused of lawlessness during the 3-day demonstration against illegal mining (galamsey) by Democracy Hub continues to make international news headlines.
On Thursday, September 26, 2024, some of the arrested demonstrators appeared before the Accra Circuit Court, where they were charged with various crimes, including unlawful assembly and unlawful damage contrary to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and denied bail.
The British broadcaster, BBC, reported the bail denial with its report focusing more on Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a leading member of the Democracy Hub, who it described as "seriously ill Ghanaians activist." Here is how the BBC reported the matter: A detained Ghanaian activist who was the key organiser of the recent anti-illegal mining protest has been denied bail along with 11 others, despite being seriously ill.
Oliver Barker Vormawor appeared in court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including unlawful assembly and assault on a public officer.