The vigil is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at Revolution Square in Accra.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor made the announcement in a social media post on Monday, September 15, 2025, stressing the urgent need for collective action. He described the fight against galamsey as both a moral and spiritual duty.

“The responsibility to protect and preserve the environment is by divine assignment, ours as a people,” he wrote, noting that the issue transcends partisan politics.

“Our responsibility to end galamsey does not end at elections. Nor does it begin after our party loses one. This is bigger than petty politics,” he added.

He further revealed that the vigil will be followed by a public march on Monday, September 22, a national holiday, to raise awareness about what he described as an “environmental crisis of urgent proportions.”

Barker-Vormawor urged Ghanaians from all backgrounds to join the events and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

FixTheCountry has been one of the most outspoken critics of successive governments’ handling of galamsey, frequently accusing political actors of undermining enforcement efforts. Barker-Vormawor’s latest call seeks to turn public frustration into civic action.

Source: Adomonline

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According to the police, they planted an informant in the cell of Mr Barker-Vormawor as part of efforts to extract information from the detainee for their investigations.

The activist was arrested on February 11, after he threatened to organise a coup following pictures emerging from the Majority Leader’s 65th birthday bash showing an ‘E-levy’-designed cake.

“If this E-Levy passes after this cake bullsh#t, I will do the coup myself. Useless Army!” he posted on his Facebook timeline on February 10.

He was subsequently charged with a treason felony.

On March 16, Mr Barker-Vormawor was granted a ¢2 million bail and two sureties.

Following his release, Mr Barker-Vormawor in a YouTube address alleged that he was tortured while in the custody of the police.

In a lawsuit which he filed on June 30, Mr Barker-Vormawor alleged that a muscular and heavily-built man was brought into the cell he was kept on Sunday, February 13, 2022.

He noted that the Commander of the Ashaiman Police Station brought the said inmate an “exceptionally heavy loaf of bread which contained a penknife and a mobile phone.”

These gadgets, the activist claim put his life in danger.

Responding to these claims, the Police admitted that there was a cell phone found in the bread, however, there was no penknife.

“To gather information on cell remands, informants are sometimes planted in the cells. The informant was not placed in the cells to harm the applicant,” the police said in a document sighted by the Fourth Estate.

Meanwhile, for spending “unlawful” 34 days in detention, Mr Barker-Vormawor wants the court to declare that “by bringing me to the Ashaiman District Magistrate Court when they knew that a District Magistrate Court does not have the jurisdiction to consider the question of my personal liberty, the Respondents, their agents, officials or assigns or work men have violated my right to administrative justice and to personal liberty.”

Convener of the Movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor made this known in a Facebook post while he reacted to his arrest on Tuesday morning.

He said further details would be communicated in a press conference soon.

Open Society is a US-based foundation established by American Billionaire George Soros.

It financially supports civil society groups worldwide, with a stated aim of advancing justice, education, public health and independent media.

Mr Soros through the foundation has in the past supported the Black Lives Matter movement.

Earlier today, news broke that Mr Barker-Vormawor had been arrested.

Other conveners of the Movement told JoyNews that he was picked up on Tuesday morning by Police officers while on his way to the court.

Confirming this, Mr Barker-Vormawor said he is being held in cells at the Madina Court.

“I have been charged with “careless and inconsiderate driving,” he noted.

The activist complained about the harassment he has had to contend with since he took on the mantle as a convener of the #FixTheCountry Movement.

“In just one year of #FixTheCountry activism, I have already been arrested three times. I have also already been sued three times, twice by the Ghana Police Service, and by the Electoral Commissioner.

“Anyway, it must all be a coincidence. I’m sure. No one is above the law, except the President,” he stated.

Considering the turmoil the convener has faced, the cash award of American Billionaire George Soros’ Open Society Foundation could not have come at an opportune time.

“In any case, I am happy to announce that #fixTheCountry has been awarded 50,000 dollars by the Open Society Foundation,” he noted.

Speaking in an interview with the press on Sunday, he narrated some of his ordeals, while in detention over his coup comments.

Mr Barker-Vormawor said the conditions in Ghana’s cells do not guarantee the welfare and happiness of the inmates. According to him, many inmates are poorly treated and left to survive under harsh conditions.

Recounting his personal experience, the activist indicated that for 35 days, he had to rely on food supplied by his visitors; since the Police did not give him any.

“First of all, for all my 35 days in there, not once did the Police come and offer me food, that this is the food that the state has provided them to give to inmates. I had to wait on family and friends who would come and give me food. So that’s the experience of a lot of people in there. There are some who have gone a year and two years and have never received any family coming to see them.

“In fact, a lot of them their families don’t know they are in there because the Police often deny them the right to call anybody to inform them they are there. So that’s the experience I went through and I know that there are people in there who are starving”, he stated.

He added that, “When I was arrested and shown in there, I met people who had not eaten for five days, but when I complained about it, I was told by the Police that the people in there are used to it. So it’s inhuman as far as I’m concerned for people to go these number of days without food through no choice of their own and that’s why we are here”.

Mr Barker-Vormawor made these known, after he and his colleagues paid a visit to the Ashaiman Police Station to make a donation to the inmates. But according to him, he was denied access by the Police, due to an ‘order from above’.

Reacting to the refusal of the Police to allow them donate the items, he explained that contrary to the claims by the Police, he and his colleagues had earlier published their intention to visit the inmates, and therefore the claim by the Police that they were not aware of his coming, was false.

“A lot of them don’t have families to visit them, so we have come together to make a donation of some food items and toiletries which from my experience a lot of inmates lack. Now the Police have informed us informally because we have not yet made the presentation that if we make the presentation they won’t give it out. All we know is that visiting hours are between 4 to 6pm, so we are waiting till 4 to 6pm so that if we present it and they refuse it, then we go home,” he said.

The #FixTheCountry Movement confirmed the release from Police custody of its lead convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor on March 17, 2022.

This came 24 hours after he was granted a GH¢2million bail by a Tema High Court on Wednesday, March 16.

The activist is facing Treason Felony charges after a social media post in which he threatened a coup. He is also required to report to the Police once a week.

Background

On February 10, Mr Barker-Vormawor took to social media to threaten a coup following pictures emerging from the Majority Leader’s 65th birthday bash showing an ‘E-levy’-designed cake.

He posted, “If this E-Levy passes after this cake bullshit, I will do the coup myself. Useless Army!”

In a subsequent post, he explained the context in which he used the word, coup.

He was arrested on February 11 at the Kotoka International Airport, upon arriving from the United Kingdom.

Mr Barker-Vormawor was charged with a treason felony on February 14, 2022. This is an offence provided for in section 182(b) of Ghana’s Criminal offences Act.

This provides; “Section 182—Treason Felony. A person is guilty of treason-felony and shall be punishable as for first-degree felony who prepares or endeavours to carry out by unlawful means any enterprise which usurps the executive power of the State in any matter of both a public and a general nature.“

Mr Barker-Vormwor threatened to stage a coup following pictures emerging from the Majority Leader’s 65^th birthday bash showing an ‘E-levy’-designed cake.

“If this E-Levy passes after this cake bullshit, I will do the coup myself. Useless Army!” he posted on Facebook on February 9.

He was subsequently arrested on Friday, February 11, 2022.

According to the Police, Mr Barker-Vormawor’s “post contains a clear statement of intent with a possible will to execute a coup in his declaration of intent to subvert the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.”

In court on February 14, lawyers for Mr Barker-Vormawor, led by Anthony Akoto Ampaw, urged the court to grant him bail.

They accused the Police of defying a Supreme Court ruling that stated that an accused person must be put before the court within 48 hours, with weekends inclusive.

DSP Asare, in a rebuttal, however, pointed out that the Police, over the weekend, reached out to the Chief Justice, hoping to get a court to hear the matter. All efforts, he continued provided futile.

The judge hearing the matter, Eleanor Barnes, remanded the accused person into police custody, pointing out that the nature and severity of the crime meant the court cannot grant bail.

The court also ordered that he should be allowed to see his family and lawyers every day between 10 am and 4 pm.

It is Madam Mogtari’s hope that Mr Barker-Vormawor will also be able to secure his freedom on bail within the week.

She took to her Facebook page to make these statements, adding reliable information indicates Oliver is still on hunger strike.

However, she has urged him to reconsider the decision as it puts his health at risk, stating he needs to be strong and healthy to fight the case against him.

She added: “And also be able to continue to advocate for the things he says he believes in. Ghana needs strong and Courageous Men and Women!!.”

Her comment comes on the back of his arrest on February 11, 2022, over a social media post to stage a coup if the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) is passed.

He was subsequently put in court on Monday and charged with treason felony, an offence provided for in section 182(b) of Ghana’s Criminal offences Act.

Lawyers for Mr Barker-Vormawor, led by Anthony Akoto Ampaw, urged the court to grant him bail but he was denied.

The judge, hearing the matte, Eleanor Barnes, remanded the accused person into police custody pointing out that the nature and severity of the crime meant the court could not grant bail.

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He is expected to reappear on Monday, February 28.

Read the full post below:

“I hold the view that at times the state overreacts,” Sam George told Samson Lardy Anyenini on Joy News’ Newsfile on Saturday.

He said the state should have considered certain factors before issuing a warrant for the academic’s arrest.

“Because you need to ask yourself, does this person have what it takes to successfully execute a coup?” he quizzed.

On February 9, Mr Barker Vormawor posted on Facebook: “If this E-Levy passes after this cake bullshit, I will do the coup myself. Useless Army!”.

This was in protest against government’s proposed 1.75% Electronic Transaction Levy.

Oliver Barker-Vormawor said he is willing to give up his life in his quest to see a better Ghana.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the leader of the social advocacy group stated that there is a need for leaders in the country to establish a new order, and therefore he’ll commit all his resources for that to happen.

Mr Barker-Vormawor said he is ready to face the consequences of his actions.

Consequently, he was arrested by operatives from the National Security at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

Felicity Nelson, who confirmed this on her Facebook Live, said the Cambridge University PhD student was picked up upon arriving from the United Kingdom on Friday evening.

“Oliver Barker-Vormawor arrived at the KIA around 4 pm [on Friday], and around 5.20 pm, he sent a message to one of his family members that some security personnel had arrested him.

“It has been nearly six hours since anyone heard from him. We don’t know where he is, we have tried the Airport Police Station and National Security Head Office, but could not find him there…” she said.

The Police released a statement confirming they had arrested Mr Barker-Vormawor.

The Director-General of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service stated that they will investigate the intentions of the #FixTheCountry convener’s coup comment.

DCOP Kwesi Ofori said the Tema Regional Police Command is currently probing into the issue.

Commenting on the issue, Sam George said this experience should serve as a lesson to Mr Barker-Vormawor and henceforth, he should be measured in his commentary.

“I would not hold brief for Oliver. Rights and freedom come with responsibility. You have the right and freedom to free speech but you must be responsible in your speech.

“In the atmosphere we find ourselves, mentioning and using a word like a coup, that you would stage a coup,” he said will spell trouble for anyone.

The MP, however, said Mr Barker-Vormawor “has given his own interpretation of it,” and it is up to him to explain himself in court.

Mr Barker-Vormawor was arrested over a Facebook post that announced a plot to stage a coup should the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy) be passed. 

The arrest was confirmed in a statement signed by the Director-General of Public Affairs, ACP Kwesi Ofori.

“The post contained a clear statement of intent with a possible will to execute a coup in his declaration of intent to subvert the constitution of the Republic,” it read.

The statement indicated he will be put before court come Monday, February 14, 2022.

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The group had earlier in a statement indicated he could not be found upon arrival at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) from Portugal on Friday night.

They claimed some “unidentified armed men had accosted him on his way into the arrival hall at KIA.”

But the police statement added, “We continue to call on the good people of Ghana to avoid making pronouncements that may lead to a breach of the peace of the country as any such acts contravene the laws of the country.”

DCOP Kwesi Ofori told Newsfile host, Samson Lardy Anyenini on Saturday morning that the Tema Regional Police Command is currently probing into the issue.

Mr Barker-Vormawor was arrested by operatives from the National Security at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

According to reports, some security personnel picked up the Cambridge University PhD student upon arriving from the United Kingdom on Friday evening at about 4 pm.

His arrest follows a Facebook comment declaring his intent to stage a coup if the e-levy bill is passed by Parliament.

On February 9, he posted on Facebook, “If this E-Levy passes after this cake bullshit, I will do the coup myself. Useless Army!”.

Oliver Barker-Vormawor said he is willing to give up his life, in his quest to see a better Ghana.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the leader of the social advocacy group stated that there is a need for leaders in the country to establish a new order, and therefore he’ll commit all his resources for that to happen.

Mr Barker-Vormawor said, he is ready to face the consequences of his actions.

“So of course, I know that I will eventually be arrested and likely tortured. Possibly, I may be killed. Caleb Kudah, a well-known journalist, was slapped into oblivion; Ahmed Suale was killed. What more evidence do you need that if you ruffle feathers of thieves and criminals, they will come for you.

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“So I say this as sincerely as I can be. And with all the honesty I can muster. I do not give a rats ass, what this Government does. In starting to speak up, I started to shed the fear of death, every passing day!,” he stated.

DCOP Kwesi Ofori, commenting on the development said, “We are aware that we are in a democratic environment but with a constitution and the constitution enjoins all of us to uphold it and its values and for an individual to post among other things calling for an unlawful alternative of the very system with that intention made loud and clear the police will definitely have a word with him.”

He added that other comments he has made on his page will be raised during the investigation.

The Police chief said their investigative team is competent and are ready to hear Mr Barker-Vormawor out.

“Whatever interpretation he wants to give, he may be allowed to put into writing,” he added.

According to the Movement, the attack on its reputation by its former fellow convenors has left members saddened since “no specificity was provided to allow us to understand fully what the issues are.”

On Monday, the Economic Fighters League announced its decision to quit the FixTheCountry Movement.

The League said its decision stems from the encroachment by persons with parochial interests on what began as a “brilliant, viral social media hashtag which simply captured exactly the demands of the Ghanaian youth disenchanted with the political governance system.”

The League announced that its next step is to make a parliamentary debut in the 2024 general elections.

In response, the Movement insists it is committed to mobilizing in a non-partisan manner.

Despite the “aspersions cast”, FixTheCountry Movement has noted that it is appreciative of the works it has accomplished with the League to mobilize Ghanaians to push the demand for a new constitution.

Adding that “we wish the EFL well in its new pursuits” and “we regret that our journey has ended prematurely.”

According to the Movement, it remains open to exploring opportunities that are towards building a “new Ghana based on patriotism, accountability and honesty.”

Meanwhile, FixTheCountry Movement has charged the youth in the country to either chart the path of the EFL, i.e. to contest for elections; or join the Movement for a new constitution as part of the democratic process to make Ghana a better place.

“#FixTheCountry will continue to invite all Ghanaians towards the greater goal of a new Ghana, which is not divided by partisanship or ethnicity,” it concluded.

Read full statement below:

The call comes in the wake of a nationwide strike by commercial drivers which left thousands of Ghanaians stranded at various bus terminals.

The industrial action is to compel the government to scrap some taxes on fuel such as the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy, Special Petroleum Tax, the Energy Recovery Debt Levy and the Sanitation levy to enable price reduction at the pumps.

In a statement dated December 6, 2021, the conveners urged the government to reduce its expenditure in order to lessen the plight of Ghanaians.

“With the effects of Covid-19 on us, we find it insensitive to throw taxes on the poor driver running through their struggles to get sales for their owners. #FixTheCountry supports the call from the Coalition [of Commercial Transport Owners] and hopes that the government works on the concerns of the drivers.

“A meeting on how to resolve the issue which is hinged on the five taxes/levies should be held soon before the movers of our economy grind to a halt. We hope more unions come on board to use their collective effort to engage government on issues that affect their members,” the statement noted.

While commending the drivers for embarking on the strike, #FixTheCountry conveners appealed to the government “to grow some sensitive nerves and repeal the levies and taxes on petroleum products.

“Government should not see itself as always having the power to bulldoze its way through with decisions that affect the already impoverished living conditions of Ghanaians.”

Below is the full statement:

According to leaders of the social advocacy group, certain aspects of the Budget are inherently “ridiculous”, hence their decision to protest.

Clad in red and black outfits, they poured out on the streets to register their displeasure particularly with the 1.75% Electronic Transaction Tax (E-levy).

The protest began from the Tema Station in Accra, near the National Hockey Stadium, after which the protesters marched to the Parliament House to present a petition.

The police were also in attendance to ensure a peaceful process and provide maximum security as the protesters chanted we won’t pay e-levy tax.

The campaigners, during the protest, called on the government to account for projects it has undertaken so far.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, on Wednesday, November 17, presented the 2022 Budget estimates to Parliament for approval.

As part of his presentation, he indicated that government wants to abolish all road tolls and impose a 1.75% E-levy on all electronic transactions.

These two items in the Budget have since sparked series of debates in public discourse, with many splitting hairs on the said proposals, amongst others.

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This follows a similar protest by the group in August 2021 to drum home concerns about the state of the economy.

The campaigners had in the last few months agitated on social media demanding that the government addresses challenges that have for years bedevilled the nation.

Watch the video above:

In a statement on Friday, the convenors said they have already notified the Ghana Police Service about their intentions and are ready to pour unto the streets to express their disgust.

According to leaders of the social advocacy group, certain aspects of the Budget are inherently “ridiculous”, hence their decision to protest.

They further said the 2022 Budget smacks of “purposeful deceit” and “the absence of truth and genuine accountability”, a situation the convenors say will not be tolerated.

They are, therefore, imploring the 275 Members of Parliament to outrightly reject the 2022 Budget estimates, which were tabled before Parliament on November 17, 2021.

“The protest is to register our displeasure at the ridiculous proposals of the 2022 Budget and demand Parliament not to approve the Budget in its current form,” the statement said.

The protest is expected to begin from the Tema Station in Accra, near the National Hockey Stadium, after which the protesters will head to the front of the Parliament House.

Members of the #FixTheCountry Movement are also craving the indulgence of all well-meaning individuals and the media to rally behind their intended demonstration and accord them the needed support.

On Wednesday, November 17, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, presented the 2022 Budget estimates to Parliament for approval.

As part of his presentation, he indicated that government wants to abolish all road tolls and impose a 1.75% E-levy on all electronic transactions.

These two items in the Budget have since sparked series of debates in public discourse, with many splitting hairs on the said proposals, amongst others.

Meanwhile, the Police have, upon receipt of the letter, invited the convenors on Monday, November 22 “for further deliberation to ensure a peaceful demonstration.”

The actress, born Andrea Owusu, explained her mother amidst tears called to beg over her involvement.

She made the disclosure in a Tweet after a follower asked her why she didn’t go for the much-anticiapted demo on August 4, 2021.

Efia Odo added her mum also said Ghana was not worth dying for, instead, she could make a change in her own way.

Coupled with her mother’s plea, she revealed her life was also at risk as she received numerous threats.

The actress, on July 6, 2021, announced a break from social media and the campaign, stating her mental health was at risk.

This was at a time the campaign had reached its peak with scores of Ghanaians ready and willing to join a planned demo.

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However, the announcement was after a few weeks she was arrested together with about 10 other campaigners after they pitched camp in front of the law court complex holding placards.

Read the post below:

He has, therefore, described as an “absolute lie”, a claim by communicators of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) government that he sponsored the protest with ¢1.5 million.

The 2020 National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer expressed concerns about youth unemployment in the country when he addressed the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs on Tuesday while on a ‘Thank You’ tour of the region.

He said youth unemployment was a major problem in Africa, citing recent agitations by the youth in Nigeria to buttress his point.

“In Nigeria, they had the SASS movement – it was like a rebellion against police repression, but who are those who took part in the SASS movement? It was the unemployed youth. And the point is, let’s not think that if you are enriching yourself, you are safe.

“When the youth rise up, they think that everyone who is living a good life is one of the people oppressing them and that is why they cannot get jobs so if you are driving a nice car, they will break your glass and molest you,” he said.

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Mr Mahama said such a situation should not be allowed to occur in Ghana.

Touching on the #FixTheCountry Movement in Ghana, he added that although the youth involved in the movement did not engage in acts of vandalism, the government should not take their concerns for granted.

“And so, when government thinks that these young people; we must demonise them…it’s not because of NPP. It’s all of us. They are expressing dissatisfaction in our collective leadership, and the earlier we listen to them, dialogue with them, the better,” Mr Mahama said.

Mr Mahama denied claims that he sponsored activities of the #FixTheCountry movement.

“And the government communicators go and lie that I have given them [#FixTheCountry] £85,000 and I have given them ¢1.5 million for their demonstration. Absolute lie! Those old Machiavellian tactics don’t work. I haven’t given ‘fix it’ one single cedi,” he said.

Mr Mahama said he believed that the ruling government was only spreading those lies to create the impression that leaders of the #FixTheCountry Movement had collected money to detach the leadership from their followers.

This was in a meeting held between COP Dampare, top police hierarchy, and the group after assuming office on August 1, 2021,

Members of the Economic Fighters League, who were present at the meeting, announced the development in a statement signed by the Commander in Chief, Ernesto Yeboah.

“The meeting was held at the request of the newly appointed IGP. According to him, his reason for calling the meeting was to assure us of maximum protection from the start to the end of the August 4 #FixTheCountry protest,” part of the statement read.

The statement added that the IGP and other Police Chiefs also went through the agreed routes with the group.

“We went over the routes earmarked for the protest from Obra spot (Circle) — Farisco Left — TUC — Kinbu Senior High School – Centre for National Culture – to Independence Square,” the statement added.

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Meanwhile, the convenors have announced the recruitment and training of marshalls to ensure adherence to covid-19 safety protocols and also guide the crowd.

“On COVID-19 protocols, the marshals will be in charge of making sure people wear their mask and maintain distance,” the statement assured.

Read the full statement below:

Though it is unclear if the break has got to do with the ongoing #FixTheCountry crusade, she said her mental health is at stake.

She explained her love for humanity and Ghana has turned her into a political person, something she admits she is not.

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Taking to her Instagram page to announce the development, she noted things are too heavy for her right now.

Her announcement comes a few weeks after she was arrested together with about 10 other campaigners after they pitched camp in front of the law court complex holding placards.

Read her full post below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Efia Odo (@efia_odo)

According to him, he doesn’t believe in the idea that the FixTheCountry campaign can be solidified without any political backing.

A Plus explained that though Mr Mahama will benefit from the campaign, it is apt to invite the National Democractic Congress (NDC) to know how they will move the country forward.

Speaking in a live video on Facebook, A Plus said the incumbent won’t listen to their demands, hence liaising with the opposition will give them the leverage to make demands that will move their campaign further.

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Efia Odo should sit down with John Mahama. They need to give him their demands because he will benefit from the fix the country. No matter what, all their doings are favouring the opposition party.

They have to meet Mahama and tell him what they want if he should win power in 2024. They should demand seats in parliament to represent the people. So they can form part of the decision-making process.

NDC must sponsor the fix the country…, the youth must make demands… if you don’t sit down with him how do you make demands? He queried.

Watch the video below:

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Nelson Owusu Ansah, admitted that although their concerns are legitimate, and “within the context of the law,” they should strive to avoid “unnecessary politicking.”

#FixTheCountry movement has consistently demanded from leadership of the country improvement in various sectors of the economy which they say are in poor conditions now.

He told JoyNews at a leadership training organised by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) at the University of Ghana on Tuesday that politicisation of their activities would only bar policy makers from implementing the change they seek.

“What is important is that we do not unnecessarily politicise issues of development in Ghana and that is how come sometimes our leaders develop that kind of resistance towards some of these agitations that come out from pressure groups.

“If we engage in unnecessary politicking [and] unnecessary partisanship on issues of development, then we are losing the focus.

“We need to begin to be very dispassionate in terms of appreciating the issues of development and the challenges that come along with it,” he said.

In the last few months, the #FixTheCountry campaigners have agitated on social media demanding that government addresses challenges that, have for years, bedeviled the nation.

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A plan to hit the streets to protest in this regard has, however, been met with stiff resistance from the Police.

An Accra High Court, on June 25, 2021, dismissed an injunction application by the Ghana Police Service seeking to restrain a street protest by #FixTheCountry campaigners.

The court said the application is moot because, May 9, the date for the protest, which the police did not agree to, had long elapsed.

She was reacting to series of allegations made by the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe aka Abronye DC, against her.

According to her, Abronye DC’s recent allegation he made on Wontumi TV about her proves she has to start suing people for defamation of character.

The NPP politician alleged that Efia Odo is a National Democratic Member (NDC) and on the payroll of the party.

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He added that she has been given a house and some undisclosed amount of money to support the opposition party through the #FixTheCountry initiative.

But, denying the allegations, Efia Odo said she will start suing people who tell lies about her on national television.

Check out her tweet below:

This follows the mob attack that led to the death of one of its activists, Ibrahim Mohammed, popularly known as Kaaka.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the conveners outlined seven steps being taken to seek justice for the death of their colleague.

The convenors said they will on Tuesday present a letter to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), James Oppong Boanuh, requesting a meeting to officially raise the matter.

Also, they intend to deliver a formal complaint to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.

Among other things, the group said it will hold a candlelight vigil at a mosque, adding that: “We will provide you with the details, as soon as finalised.”

Lastly: “We are proposing that donations be channeled to his family. Once the number to donate to is available, we shall provide that to the public.”

Below is the Facebook post:

Sakaa is said to have been attacked on Saturday dawn for asking for a better Ejura through social media activism.

He was repeatedly struck in the head with objects until he lost consciousness and subsequently died at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital due to severe head injury with internal bleeding on Monday.

The Ejura police have since arrested two suspects in connection with the murder.

The suspects include Ibrahim Issaka alias Anyaas and Fuseini Alhassan.

The suspects have been dispatched to Asante Mampong Police Command to assist with investigations.

The action, scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, 2021, follows the death of a social activist and member of the movement, Anyass Ibrahim, aka Macho Kaaka.

Macho Kaka, is reported dead after he was attacked by a mob at Ejura in the Ashanti Region.

The movement, in a statement, noted that the police have been notified about the incident, however, they have failed to interdict or invite anybody for questioning.

“This is murder of an innocent citizen! Kaaka’s blood is a formal indictment and our refusal to stand up and challenge a false democracy. If this is truly a democracy, give us justice,” part of the statement read.

Meanwhile, they have vowed not to rest until justice is served.

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The deceased was attacked on Friday and rushed to the Ejura Sekyeredumase District Hospital but was transferred to the Komfo Another Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

Reports indicate he was repeatedly hit in the head with objects until he lost consciousness and was diagnosed with severe head injury due to the assault.

The report also described his condition as having suffered “multiple deep scalp lacerations, deeply unconscious, multiple facial lesions, facial and head contusions.”

Read the full statement below:

The Accra Region Police interrogated them for close to three hours on why they allegedly assembled at the court.

Whilst in the interrogation room, some of their members, including their lawyers, stormed the police demanding the immediate release of the protesters.

Some of the #FixTheCountry campaigners, who spoke to Joy News, argued that the arrest was unlawful.

The lawyers after several hours of meeting with the Accra Region police head of legal and prosecution plus the crime officer managed to secure the bail for the protesters.

The lawyers say the bail was without conditions and the police also failed to prescribe specific charges against their clients.

The Police have, however, remained tight-lipped on the arrest.

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Efia Odo, one of the protesters, who was arrested together with the other 11 said they were not protesting.

According to her, “the judge called for a recess, and I was taking pictures with some of the conveners who had come there to show their support.

“Then, all of a sudden, the police comes in with their guns as if we are criminals and aggressively took us in.”

She further indicated that even at the police station, they were not informed of the reason for their arrest.

“They never told us the reason for the arrest. They told us to write our statement and I compiled.”

The 12 are expected to report to the police on Monday for further investigations.

The Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament says he is surprised at why citizens will be arrested for demanding their civil right to demonstrate.

Mr George, speaking in an interview with Adom News‘ Abednego Asante Asiedu, accused the government of using the police to intimidate citizens.

“Most of these people camapigned for President Akufo-Addo to win power so what is their crime if they are calling on you to fix the country?” he queried.

His comments follow the arrest of actress and socialite, Efia Odo, and over 10 other #FixTheCountry campaigners by the police from the Accra region.

This was shortly after a court hearing on whether or not the group should be allowed to stage a street protest.

After hearing legal arguments on Friday morning, the High Court adjourned proceedings to deliver a ruling at 1:30 pm.

Some of the campaigners pitched camp during the legal arguments in front of the law court complex holding placards.

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Fuming with anger, Mr George demanded the immediate release of the campaigners.

Meanwhile, the outspoken politician questioned why the police failed to arrest the President and Chief Justice for breaching COVID-19 protocols at Sir John’s funeral.

This was shortly after a court hearing on whether or not the group should be allowed to stage a street protest.

After hearing legal arguments on Friday morning, the High Court adjourned proceedings to deliver a ruling at 1:30 pm.

Some of the campaigners pitched camp during the legal arguments in front of the law court complex holding placards.

Shortly after proceedings they were joined by their colleagues who were in the court room.

While taking photographs, police officers from the Accra region arrived and arrested more than 10 of the campaigners.

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The campaigners have in the last two months demanded that government fixes what they said is worsening conditions of living.

This has been met with stiff resistance from the Ghana Police Service with covid-19 restrictions as defence.

According to her, though many are gradually losing hope in the fight, it will be apt for everyone to appear and rally their support in the courtroom through attendance.

She explained that though she knows many of them are eager to step out, being present to witness the final verdict speaks volumes.

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She gave out the time as 10:30am at the Accra High Court on Friday, June 25, 2021.

I urge you guys to be in the courtroom on Friday to hopefully get a final verdict on  #FixTheCountry demonstration.

Most of y’all are tired of talking about it on Twitter and are ready to embark on the streets but your attendance speaks volumes. Friday 10:30 am, Accra High Court.

Check out the post below:

The campaigners say only a police officer can make a request under the Public Order Act to restrain protesters from hitting the streets.

In the last few weeks, they have demanded better living conditions through a social media protest, but the decision to take this onto the streets has been opposed by the police service with public health concerns as a basis.

Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame on Monday morning showed up in court to argue against the street protest, but the campaigners say that is unlawful.

A member of the legal team for the campaigners, Julius Asinyo, urged the court to dismiss the case.

He told the court it cannot hear a matter bothering on public order filed in the Republic’s name instead of a police officer.

“The applicant does not have the capacity to bring this application under section 1 subsection 6 of the public order act. Act 491. And as such, the Court is not clothed with jurisdiction to hear or grant the application.

“The said section 1(6) states ‘where the organiser refuses to comply with the request under subsection 4 or fails to notify the police officer in accordance with subsection 5; the police officer may apply to the justice or chairman of the regional tribunal….”

“Only a police officer is competent to issue these proceedings under the public order act, and the orders sought are issuable only in favour of a police officer. Nothing under the public order act makes the republic the proper party to whom such orders are available.”

He also raised a second objection regarding the signatory to the court documents.

He stated that they are signed by one Thomas Sarfo who does not indicate whether he is an Attorney at the office of the AG or with the Police Service.

He concluded that the current case is of a civil nature, and the Attorney General’s office has not been named a defendant.

Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame described the application as “completely misconceived and a misunderstanding of the fundamental laws regarding this application.”

He explained that every step within the context of the Public Order Act, Act 491 is a criminal matter. He continued that under Article 88 of the constitution, the Attorney General is responsible for initiating all civil and criminal matters involving the Republic.

“My Lady will notice that Section 9 of act 491 gives criminal implications or consequences for a failure to notify the police of a special event.

“Again there is also a criminal consequence for a failure to inform the police of your unwillingness to comply with the request by the police for you to either postpone or call off your special event.

“The application for a restraining order is made in the premises of the same public order act following a person’s indication of his unwillingness to comply with the request by the police. Quite clearly, the application is a criminal one that is why it is even before this court. (Criminal Division 1).

“For this reason, the application is not brought under CI 47, which regulates civil proceedings but rather brought under act 491, which, as I have indicated, clearly deals with criminal matters.

“The fact that criminal offences will be deemed to have been committed and clearly he will suffer criminal consequences shows that all aspects of the public order act are criminal and not civil. He is quite clearly, fundamentally wrong in conceiving of the application as a purely civil matter.”

He further rebutted the claim that the police device is a separate legal entity. He responded that it is a pure public institution, and his office is empowered by law to act on its behalf.

He further pointed that documents filed by the Republic clearly have a police officer, one ACP Benjamin Osei Addae of the Accra Region Prosecutions Department swearing the affidavit in support of the motion.

He urged the court to disregard the objection stating that an acceptance will create an absurd situation where if the injunction is granted against the protest, only the named police officer can enforce it.

He revealed that Mr Sarfo, who applied for an injunction, is a lawyer in the Police Service with the AG’s office pursuing the matter.

The case has been adjourned to Friday, June 25 for ruling.

According to the outfit, the Supreme Court’s order was based on the indefinite terms in which an ex parte was made.

Though a statement, signed by the Head of Public Relations, DSP Effia Tengey, admitted the ruling of the court, it said the court refused to restrain its agents from interfering with the constitutional rights of the protesters.

In view of this, the statement added the substantive case between the Police and the conveners on their right to demonstrate is still pending hearing at the High Court.

The hearing has been scheduled for Monday, June 14, 2021.

They have, therefore, urged the public to disregard any call to demonstrate without complying with the Public Order Act 1994 (491).

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court said there is “no subsisting order” preventing #fixtheCountry protesters to apply for demonstration.

The court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, in its ruling said the indefinite order that stops the applicants from demonstrating is quashed.

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The court added that the High Court exceeded its jurisdiction when it gave that definite order restricting the applicants from demonstrating.

The court, however, dismissed the reliefs asking the court to stop the police from interfering with the constitutional rights of the protesters, adding the order was for 10 days and has since elapsed.

Read the statement below:

The court held that this order was in error and proceeded to quash it.

This is the response to a case filed by the campaigners asking the Apex Court to set aside a High Court order that halted a planned May 9, street protest.

The High Court, in restraining the protesters, stated that they are not to hit the streets until such a time that the appropriate authority lifts the covid-19 restrictions on public gathering.

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But the campaigners insisted this order was unlawful.

Popular individuals and many others have used the hashtag to call on the government to attend to problems facing the country including the hike in fuel prices, poor education, health, infrastructure and ultimately the country’s economy.

The online protest has been trending for the past week on the micro-blogging platform Twitter.

The controversial politician, reacting to the campaign, said the noise being generated by them “is akin to drunken behaviour.”

 Mr Bempah questioned what exactly these celebrities have fixed by themselves apart from their fake social media lifestyle and living on borrowed glory.

The comments generated backlash from the conveners and Ghanaians at large as the campaign intensifies.

However, in a new post on his Facebook page, he said he had taken a second look at his write up and admits he was harsh in his conclusion and choice of words.

Though he stated he is sorry and retracts the comment, he maintained there was nothing untruth about his earlier comments.

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“This shouldn’t have been the case and I apologise to all those who may have been hurt by the piece. I’m sorry. I, therefore, retract the strong and uncomplimentary language used in the write up.

“Maybe the issues that I was so much concerned about will have been glossed over had I not engaged in some early conclusions,” part of the post read.

Read the full post below:

Mr Kufuor says transformation of the lives of the people is key for every nation.

Taking to his Twitter page, he posted: Unless you transform the lives of ordinary people, you cannot hope to transform Africa.

Popular individuals and many others have used the hashtag to call on the government to attend to problems facing the country including the hike in fuel prices, poor education, health, infrastructure and ultimately the country’s economy.

The online protest has been trending for the past week on the micro-blogging platform Twitter.

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The campaign has been met with mixed reactions with a school of thought advising Ghanaians to fix themselves first before calling on government to fix the country.

The former President’s comment has generated massive reactions in his comment section.

Read the post below:

Unless you transform the lives of ordinary people, you cannot hope to transform Africa.

— John Agyekum Kufuor (@JohnAKufuor) May 10, 2021

The firebrand politician is of the view that the President must put on his Kum yem Preko fire and get things fixed in his government.

According to him, President Akufo-Addo is one of the best Presidents Ghana has had but he has, especially been slow in taking actions against his corrupt appointees.

But in terms of developmental projects and making life easier for Ghanaians, Abronye believes he can’t be compared to any President under Fourth Republic.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Kukurantumi show, the outspoken politician made a clarion call to the president as a matter of urgency to bring corrupt appointees to book.

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“Prosecute corrupt appointees in the the erstwhile administration and those in your government too to serve as a deterrent to others,” he urged.

Abronye stressed President Akufo-Addo must tighten his bootstraps to keep and renew the faith Ghanaians had in him.

His comments come at a time when citizens are mounting pressure on the government to ‘FixTheCountry’.

The campaign, which started off from social media, has become an issue of national interest but has been greeted with mixed reactions.

National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reacted to claims that those calling on government to ‘FixTheCountry’ are members of the party.

Sammy Gyamfi said the claim that the NDC is behind the social media campaign is borne of malice and an insult to the integrity of the group, made up of celebrities and Ghanaian youth.

The NDC man was reacting to comments made by National Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) about the planned demonstration by the group on May 9, 2021.

Freddie Blay said though concerns raised are legitimate, the NDC is using the FixTheCountry campaign to make the Akufo-Addo administration unpopular.

In a riposte, Mr Gyamfi said the NPP is shifting blame due to the momentum the FixTheCountry’ campaign gained in a short time.

He indicated that the conduct of the NPP Chairman and government appointees is enough attestation that, they don’t appreciate the magnitude of the problem “we are talking about.

“Those voicing out are not politicians but ordinary people venting their spleen on problems created by bad leaders,” the NDC man said on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday.

Mr Gyamfi maintained that, the FixTheCountry’ “is an organic spontaneous movement by Ghanaian youth who can no longer bare the suffering under President Akufo-Addo.”

He vowed the NDC will reject any plan to prevent the group from exercising their fundamental human rights.