Twenty-one Democracy Hub protesters were granted bail recently, while two others, including Oliver Barker-Vomawor, were denied bail. This decision came after their lawyers filed an appeal against a circuit court’s ruling that remanded 53 protesters into police and prison custody.
The protesters were divided into two groups, with two separate courts handling each case. The first group consisted of Ama Governor and eight others: Emmanuel Gyan, Emmanuel Kwabena Addo, Ziblim Yakubu, Oheneba Prempeh, Philip Owusu Kobina, Akisibik Desmond, Von Coffie, and Sadik Yakubu.
All nine members of the first group were granted bail, with each required to pay Ghc70,000 and provide two sureties. Additionally, they must report to the police once a week and deposit their Ghana cards at the court registry.
Despite the state’s opposition to the bail application, the judge granted the lawyers’ plea. This ruling marked a significant development in the case, which has garnered attention nationwide.
The second group included Oliver Barker-Vomawor and 12 others. While 11 protesters, including Felicity Nelson, were granted bail, Barker-Vomawor and Funny Otoo were denied bail.
The court directed the Circuit court to commence prosecution within 72 hours; failure to do so may result in Barker-Vomawor being granted bail. The court based its decision on concerns that Barker-Vomawor, already on bail for Treason Felony charges, might commit another offense.
Barker-Vomawor’s lawyer, Justice Srem Sai, argued that the court’s focus should be on ensuring the accused stands trial, rather than speculating about potential future offenses. Sai emphasized Barker-Vomawor’s consistent availability for the treason felony trial over the past three years.
However, the judge relied on Section 96(5c) of the Criminal Procedure Act (ACT 30), which empowers the court to deny bail if it believes the accused will commit another offense upon release.
The remaining 12 protesters in the second group were granted bail, with each required to pay Ghc20,000 and provide two sureties.
Meanwhile, appeal applications have been filed for the other 30 protesters who were remanded by the circuit court two weeks ago, marking the next step in their ongoing legal journey.
