Barker-Vormawor pleads not guilty after arrest during Democracy Hub Demo

Democracy Hub convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has entered a not-guilty plea to multiple charges following his arrest during a three-day protest criticizing the government's response to illegal mining, commonly known as "galamsey."

Barker-Vormawor, along with other demonstrators, faces several charges, including conspiracy to commit unlawful assembly, unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, assault on a public officer, defacement of public property, and theft.

After missing a court appearance on Wednesday, September 25, due to ill health, Barker-Vormawor was brought to court on Thursday, September 26, where he pleaded not guilty. Video footage circulating online shows him handcuffed, with his hands raised, and limping into the courthouse, accompanied by at least five armed police officers.

Meanwhile, the other protesters have been remanded into custody for between 11-14 days, pending the court's decision on their bail applications.

Barker-Vormawor's legal team has accused the police of mistreating the protesters, alleging that they have been denied access to legal counsel. The team also claims Barker-Vormawor did not receive prompt medical attention after informing the police that he was seriously unwell on Tuesday.

Ghana's police force has refuted these claims, asserting that both Barker-Vormawor and another protester are receiving medical care at the police hospital.

The Democracy Hub’s protest was organized to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by illegal gold mining in Ghana. Known as "galamsey," this activity has been blamed for contaminating over 60% of the country's water bodies.