Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Barker-Vormawor said that for the constitutional review process to become a lasting legacy of the current administration, the President must personally supervise the implementation phase.

“I think if this is to be the President’s legacy, then it means that he must superintend the process more closely,” Barker-Vormawor said.

“Showing all the right signals at this point is well and good, but the next point of carrying it across to the finish line is perhaps the most important aspect of all the processes.”

The Constitution Review Committee (CRC), chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, recently submitted its final report to President Mahama. The report contains recommendations aimed at strengthening Ghana’s democratic framework and governance institutions.

Barker-Vormawor noted that while the CRC’s work is a critical step, the real test lies in transforming its recommendations into policy and law.

“I’m hoping that on 7th January, there will be an announcement from the presidency in terms of what the pathway forward is. Whether that looks like an implementation process, hopefully that retains some of the members of the existing committee,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of continuity and institutional memory, cautioning against forming an entirely new committee that could lack context.

“When the CRC finishes, we need an implementation committee that builds on the work of the old one. Some of us had to spend months trying to hold them and give them a sense of why we are going in a particular direction,” Barker-Vormawor said.

Barker-Vormawor also called for a collaborative and inclusive approach, involving international partners and legal drafting experts to translate the recommendations into actionable legal provisions.

“I hope there is a mixed process, with international partners on board in terms of a drafting committee that can translate these recommendations into drafting language, so we are able to see the process,” he added.

Highlighting the need for strong engagement from the Presidency and Parliament, he urged a clearly defined leadership structure to guide the reform process.

“I hope the Presidency is involved, and we can know who is leading the process from the Presidency, to help engage Parliament in the way forward,” he said.

He further advocated for the creation of a parliamentary committee dedicated to studying the proposed constitutional changes, ensuring the process does not become mired in partisan politics.

“I want Parliament itself to have a committee that studies and thinks about the way forward so that we don’t retreat into partisan echo-chambers.

“I genuinely believe that if Parliament sits together with this document, they will see that there is much more in it for them that liberates Parliament,” Barker-Vormawor said.

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Barker-Vormawor was charged with treason felony in 2022 after being arrested by National Security operatives for threatening a coup if Parliament passed the then-controversial E-Levy bill, which was later enacted into law.

His arrest and prosecution sparked widespread debate and condemnation from civil society groups, raising concerns over free speech in Ghana.

Barker-Vormawor, who lost his Cambridge scholarship due to the treason trial, is the latest beneficiary of the new Attorney General’s decision to discontinue certain high-profile cases initiated by the previous administration.

The trial, which lasted two years, barely progressed as the Prosecution failed to present evidence beyond the accused’s social media post. If convicted, Barker-Vormawor faced either the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The Attorney General’s decision to drop the case adds to a growing list of high-profile prosecutions halted since assuming office.

Neither Barker-Vormawor nor his lawyers were present when the case was called on Tuesday, March 18.

Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah introduced the Prosecution’s team, but proceedings were brief.

Trial judge Justice Mary Ekua Yanzu acknowledged the Attorney General’s nolle prosequi and ruled, “The charges have been struck out, and the accused person is discharged.”

Barker-Vormawor has since taken to social media to express gratitude to those who supported him throughout the trial.

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Nana Ato Dadzie, lawyer for political activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has stated that his client’s social media post alleging bribery within Parliament’s Appointments Committee is fake.

He further clarified that the post was not directed at the committee.

“The statement is fake; this is not coming from Mr. Vormawor. He never posted that statement. The statement reads: ‘NDC members on the Appointments Committee take monies from Mahama’s ministerial nominees before approving them, and the Deputy Speaker must submit himself to ORAL.’ This is not from Mr. Vormawor,” he clarified.

Nana Ato Dadzie made these remarks when they appeared before the committee for interrogation over the post, which has sparked public outrage.

“It is not directed at the Appointments Committee in any way. It was completely not directed at the Appointments Committee; it is only intended to expose certain matters,” he explained.

He added that the post was meant to inform the public about reports that had come to Barker-Vormawor’s attention, emphasizing that his client was acting as a whistleblower.

Mr. Dadzie, however, apologized on behalf of Mr. Barker-Vormawor.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Mahama Ayariga strongly refuted the allegations and called on Barker-Vormawor to substantiate his claims.

“The issue of protecting your integrity is sometimes even more important than the substance of what you do, because you will go very far if you are perceived to have integrity,” the Bawku Central MP stated.

“I heard what he said, and the chairman reached out. I said, call him—let him come. If he has anything and can substantiate it, we need to deal with it openly and transparently,” he added.

Ayaria emphasized the need for concrete evidence, reiterating his own lack of awareness of any such activities within the Appointments Committee.

“You spent a few days on the committee. What personal knowledge or otherwise do you have to share on these claims being made, that some monies were paid to members of the committee to approve some of the nominees? I am unaware of any such thing. That’s why I think he should come. Maybe he has something because, in this country, all sorts of things happen,” he said.

He also shared an anecdote about encountering someone in the private sector who assumed they needed to “help” their sector minister get approved.

“I actually met somebody who operates in a sector, and the person said, ‘Oh, our minister is being considered this week, so we want to go and help him.’ And I asked, ‘Has your sector minister asked you to come and help him?’ They said no but insisted on mobilizing resources. I told them clearly, ‘There is no need for you to do this. None of the nominees has a problem,’” Ayariga narrated.

He stressed that such perceptions of bribery or undue influence undermine the integrity of the Appointments Committee and must be addressed head-on.

“If he [Barker-Vormawor] has anything about money being handed over to members of the Appointments Committee, he should just come, and we’ll look into it. I encourage it—not just in this instance but in any other instance. We want to build institutions that have integrity, are credible, and that Ghanaians have trust and confidence in,” Ayariga emphasized.

The Majority Leader further questioned the motivation behind such allegations, especially given the current parliamentary dynamics.

“NDC is in power. We have 184 members, plus four independent members—two of whom are originally NDC members and the other two aligned with us. We can approve anybody. No nominee needs to give anybody money because, as a party, you will be whipped in line to vote according to the party’s interest,” Ayariga explained.

He further explained that if there were any significant issues with a nominee, they would be addressed through formal petitions or by referring the matter back to the President.

“If it’s revealed through a petition or something that there’s something fundamentally wrong with a nominee, we’ll go back to His Excellency and say, ‘Please, Excellency, we know your standards. This person doesn’t meet them. Can you withdraw the nomination?’ Otherwise, most of the nominees are sitting members of Parliament, and constitutionally, they are already qualified to be ministers of state,” he stated.

Ayariga concluded by reiterating his belief that the claims lack merit.

“You do not need to give anybody anything. I have not seen it. So, I’ll be surprised if he comes up with anything tomorrow. I’ll be surprised. But I encourage every other person who has evidence to come forward,” he said.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Barker-Vormawor expressed optimism about the process, stating, “I look forward to appearing before the committee tomorrow. This is how a democracy improves.”

Barker-Vormawor had accused members of the Appointments Committee of soliciting bribes from nominees seeking approval.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, January 28, the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that no member of the committee had engaged in such practices.

“To address the matter, I have directed the Clerk of the Committee to formally invite him to appear before us tomorrow to substantiate his claims, or we will apply the necessary law,” Mr. Ahiafor stated.

The activist is expected to provide evidence to support his accusations during his appearance.

The allegations have also caused a stir within Parliament, with some Minority members calling for the suspension of the vetting process until the claims are thoroughly investigated.

They argue that the accusations undermine the integrity of the committee and must be resolved before further proceedings.

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The invitation is for Mr. Barker-Vormawor to substantiate the allegations that the committee has been receiving money from ministerial nominees to validate their approval.

The Chairman of the Committee and Akatsi South MP, Bernard Ahiafor, has vehemently denied the allegation.

Mr. Ahiafor emphasised that neither he nor any members of the committee had engaged in such practices, describing the allegation as baseless and calling for evidence to support them.

He, therefore, instructed the Clerk of the Committee to formally invite Mr. Barker-Vormawor to appear before the committee.

Barker-Vormawor is expected to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, January 29.

“So, I am therefore directing the Clerk to the Committee to invite him to appear before the committee tomorrow to substantiate his claims, or we will apply the necessary law,” Mr. Ahiafor stated.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Appointments Committee and its processes.

Meanwhile, the Minority members on the committee are demanding that the proceedings be suspended until finality is brought to the matter.

The Minority argued that their reputation is all they have had as lawmakers and cannot play ostrich for it to be ran down.”

Read Barker-Vormawor’s post below:

So all the monies the ministerial appointees are being made to pay to the Appointments Committee just to get approved, are those ones not affected by ORAL?

Strange Republic

— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) January 24, 2025

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He claimed the Police highlighted isolated incidents of violence to create a narrative that the entire protest was violent.

“The first day of the protest passed without incident, yet the police kept issuing statements accusing us of violence. We responded by showing pictures and videos of people peacefully playing football. They were setting the stage to justify the use of violent videos later.”

He explained that this tactic diverted attention from the core issues being protested.

“When the press reports on police brutality, they don’t say ‘police beat protesters’—they say ‘police clash with protesters,’ shifting the narrative.”

He also highlighted two specific videos repeatedly shown during the protest—one of him taking the keys from a police vehicle, and another depicting isolated confrontations.

Barker-Vormawor argued that, these videos were used to distort the reality of what occurred on the ground.

He further vowed to continue his advocacy for a better life for Ghanaians, despite challenges and criticisms.

In an interview with TV3 on October 23, Barker-Vormawor expressed frustration over the persistent poverty in Ghana and the lack of significant progress in addressing it.

“I cannot understand why poverty in our society has not been drastically reduced. It strengthens my faith in the Ghanaian spirit that despite the fear many harbor, there will come a time when people stand up for justice. I’ve always believed in that, and I’m never tired of trusting that Ghanaians will show up for the younger generation.

“I do not understand how we as a society can watch our environment be pillaged and remain indifferent, thinking only of ourselves. It doesn’t seem right. The demand for dignity is something we cannot grow tired of,” he added.

Source: Adomonline

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He has been in Police custody since his arrest on September 23, 2024, during the #StopGalamsey and #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests.

According to a statement from Democracy Hub on Thursday, October 10, medical professionals are currently conducting tests to assess his condition and determine if hospitalization is required.

This marks the second time his health has deteriorated since his detention.

Despite multiple appeals to the Accra High Courts, Mr. Barker-Vormawor remains the only protester out of 53 who has been denied bail.

The other activists were granted bail on October 9, 2024.

Democracy Hub has expressed deep concern over his wellbeing and called for urgent attention to his health needs.

The group has urged the public to keep Mr. Barker-Vormawor in their thoughts and prayers as they await further updates on his condition.

Read the statement below:

Source: Adomonline

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The group criticized the Attorney General’s request for the court to keep Mr. Barker-Vormawor in custody — a request that has been granted once again by the courts.

In a press statement on Wednesday, October 9, the Democracy Hub described these actions as part of a concerning trend of government oppression aimed at silencing dissenting voices like Mr. Barker-Vormawor’s, which challenge the current administration.

“The government’s relentless targeting of Oliver is a calculated attempt to stifle dissent and intimidate those who dare to criticize the misrule and injustices of the government,” the statement said.

The group further argued that, with less than three months remaining in office and the government’s three-year prosecution of Mr. Barker-Vormawor on “trumped-up” treason charges falling apart, the Akufo-Addo administration appears determined to use any means necessary to detain and punish him before their term ends.

Their comments follow the denial of bail to Mr. Barker-Vormawor for the third time since his arrest during the anti-galamsey demonstration two weeks ago. The court’s ruling on Tuesday came after opposition from the Attorney General’s Department. This latest refusal mirrors similar decisions by both an Accra High Court and a Circuit Court.

The group expressed grave concern over the state’s actions against Mr. Barker-Vormawor, seeing them as a clear intent to punish him for his activism. They emphasized that his arrest and ongoing detention signal a direct attack on the principles of justice, democracy, and free speech in Ghana.

They also condemned what they described as the denial of timely medical care to Mr. Barker-Vormawor, warning that such “callous treatment” poses a serious threat to his health and violates his basic human rights.

In response, the Democracy Hub called for justice for Mr. Barker-Vormawor, urging the judiciary to act impartially.

“The right to bail is constitutionally guaranteed, and denying it under these circumstances is a miscarriage of justice,” the group said. “The continued persecution of Oliver Barker-Vormawor is a gross violation of his fundamental rights and an insult to Ghana’s democratic ideals. We call on the government to end these authoritarian tactics aimed at silencing opposition.”

The group reaffirmed its determination to stand by Mr. Barker-Vormawor and others facing persecution for speaking out, stating, “We will not be intimidated. We will continue to demand justice for Oliver and all those who fight for truth and justice.”

Read the full statement below:

Source: Adomonline

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Barker-Vormawor, along with 45 other protesters, was accused of disturbing public peace. While he was absent in court on Wednesday, September 25, due to ill health.

He, however, entered a not-guilty plea on Thursday, September 26 when he was brought to court.

He faces multiple 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.

Meanwhile, the other protesters have been remanded into police and prison custody for 14 days, pending the court’s decision on bail.

The legal team representing the protesters has repeatedly accused the police of mistreating those in custody, claiming they have been denied access to legal services.

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This brings the total number of arrested protesters to 51.

Barker-Vormawor and another individual, Fanny Otoo, were absent from court the previous day as their lawyers informed the court they were unwell and receiving treatment at the Police Hospital.

Barker-Vormawor faces eight charges, including theft, defacement of public notice, and offensive conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.

The case has been adjourned until October 8.

The trial was expected to commence on Monday morning, May 20, 2024, after more than two years since the charges were brought against him.

Oliver Barker-Vormawor was arrested in February 2022 for making a post the state deemed treasonable on social media.

On April 29 this year, lawyers representing Oliver Barker-Vormawor filed an application challenging the constitutionality of the offense and also prayed to the High Court in Accra for the case to be referred to the Supreme Court.

In court on Monday, the sitting judge was expected to pass a ruling on those outstanding issues to make way for a possible trial. It however turned out that the state only responded to the April 27 application by Mr Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers this morning.

In an interview with JoyNews at the courthouse after the adjournment, Mr Barker-Vormawor could not hide his frustration.

“You continue to see the charade and what has happened so far. For them who paraded over 50 armed individuals and snipers, for those who believed that we were a threat to this republic, for so long they have not been able to match those words with the evidence that is required in this trial “Mr Barker-Vormawor fumed.

On social media, the activist has been vocal in his criticism of the state about the seeming delay in commencing the trial; a posture that some say could be inimical to his case.

Mr Barker-Vormawor however holds a different view. In the same interview with JoyNews, he described the state’s posturing as a “charade” and wondered why it has failed to promptly respond to the application to make way for the long-awaited trial.

“If they believe that we were intending to overthrow this government then they should show up in court and prove that to the everyday Ghanaian, “he argued.

He also questioned the kind of democracy that is being practised in Ghana and challenged the state to come forward with evidence to commence the trial.

The judge is expected to pass a ruling on the constitutionality of the offence and the issue of jurisdiction when it reconvenes on May 27 to make way for the trial to commence.

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The lawyer said the statement is damning to the image of the electoral body.

In a statement on Tuesday, the EC dismissed claims by the President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe that it disenfranchised SALL residents.

The Commission described Mr Cudjoe’s statement as “false and without basis.

“The Commission never disenfranchised the good people of the newly created Guan Constituency. It is not in our interest to do so,” portions of the statement read.

But in a Facebook post, Mr Barker-Vormawor said the flaws in our democracy has become evident when such explanations are given.

He asserted that, the Chief Justice conspired to shield the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, from scrutiny, hence she started to “confuse the culture of impunity that protects her with righteousness.”

“The EC has now put on record that it was the Minister of Local Government who directed the independent Electoral Commission to create a constituency, and they then started complying, despite clear constitutional language that the mandate of the EC to create a constituency is not to be shared with the President or his appointees.

“They want Ghanaians to accept that it was not the Supreme Court decision as far back as July that necessarily required them to create the constituency but the Minister of Local Government’s letter [was] in November,” parts of his post read.

Below is the full statement:

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The trial is scheduled to commence at 9:am at Criminal Court 3 within the High Court Complex.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor, known for his advocacy within the #FixTheCountry campaign, faces charges of treason felony following comments he made on social media that were construed as a coup threat.

He was arrested after he posted on social media that, he would consider staging a coup should the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy, commonly referred to as the E-levy, be enacted into law.

Ahead of his trial, Mr. Barker-Vormawor’s legal team has filed a motion challenging the constitutionality of the offense.

They intend to request that, the judge refers this constitutional issue to the Supreme Court for consideration.

In light of these developments, Barker-Vormawor has issued a call for support, urging individuals to attend his trial.

He noted to his supporters that it will mean a lot to him if they show up and provide him the much needed moral support.

Palgrave Boakye Danquah has said the allegations are not true.

“It is unheard of that Vormawor will accuse the National Security Ministry. There have been so many responsible demos that have put the government on its toes But what effect and impact has his demonstration had on the nation? What numbers has he gathered to make it much of a statement to put pressure on government?” he questioned on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Friday.

The Abuakwa North New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary aspirant added that, the FixThe Country movement is gradually becoming a pressure group and a threat to national security.

“I will advise them to be restrained in their actions. If they have any proper contribution, they should push it through the right mediums. They can use various platforms to catch the eye of the government,” he admonished.

The activist while addressing journalists on Friday on the sidelines of the #occupyjulorbiHouse demo alleged there was an attempt to influence his work.

Mr Barker-Vormawor alleged that he and his colleagues rejected the government’s $1 million offer after meeting the National Security Minister at a secret location.

However, the National Security Ministry has debunked the claims. Despite admitting a meeting was held with Oliver in 2021, it said no money was offered.

The Ministry has therefore challenged him to provide evidence to support his claims.

In a statement, the Ministry admitted, together with the Finance Minister and other relevant stakeholders, that it engaged Mr Barker-Vormawor in 2021.

However, the Ministry says no offer of money or appointment was made to persuade the group to end its “activism”.

Addressing journalists on September 22, Barker-Vormawor alleged that, he and his colleagues rejected the government’s $1 million offer after meeting the National Security Minister at a secret location.

He further claimed that the National Security Minister, Kan Dapaah threatened to ensure they were arrested if they continued with their protests.

But the allegations according to the Ministry, are thus false, unfounded, and a calculated attempt to hoodwink Ghanaians.

The Ministry has therefore urged the general public to ignore same and treat it with the utmost contempt it deserves.

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He joined the likes of private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu to demand the immediate resignation of President Nana Akufo-Addo.

They say the wanton corruption and mismanagement of the economy give a clear indication that Ghanaians can no longer wait until the end of President Akufo-Addo’s four-year term.

Both Martin Kpebu and Oliver Barker-Vormawor have been outspoken critics of the government and registered their displeasure at how the country is being governed by the current Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led administration.

According to Mr Kpebu, the president together with his vice ought to leave office in order to pave way for the constitutional provision for his replacement to be set in motion.

“We are dying; citizens are dying; citizens can’t afford food; citizens are starving all because of misgovernance by President Akufo-Addo. It never happened that you have a president in office and every time that the country borrows, the president’s family becomes richer; how?”

“This can’t continue. We can’t borrow all the time and have Databank becoming richer all the time. Citizens have a duty as stated in Article 41 [of the Constitution] to ask the president to resign and this is not the first time that a president of Ghana is going to resign,” Mr Kpebu said.

They said they would not countenance any act of violence, warning they would round up any person or group of persons found engaging inPhotos: Mahama mourns with A.B Crenstil’s family such acts and hand them over to law enforcement agencies.

Route for demonstration

The protesters converged at the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle at 0700hrs, and marched through the 28th February Road to Farisco Junction and then through the Liberia Road to the Independence Square.

Below are photos from the demonstrators:

This, he says, is part of government’s strategy to detract attention from the economic mess it has plunged the people of Ghana into.

The Criminal Court division of the High Court yet again adjourned the case involving the activist to 21st October to hear an application filed by lawyers of the accused to quash the bill of indictment.

The Ashiaman District Court presided over by Eleanor Kakra Barnes Botwe committed the youth activist to trial on August 2, with the full trial expected at the time to commence in September.

The #FixTheCountry convener was charged with treason felony after he made comments on social media that have been deemed to be a coup threat by the State.

Speaking to JoyNews’ Kwaku Asante after the court adjournment, Barker Vormawor said the state is not interested in justice and the rights of citizens.

“Questions of treason are serious business. There’s no greater [I suppose] offence that a person can be charged within a democratic setting than the idea of seeking to overthrow the government.

“It would appear to me that for a government that is facing enormous economic difficulties and would want to detract from that, and that they would want to continue to prolong this process for as long as it detracts people’s attention”, he said.

He continued that “suppose that I was the Attorney General and this was a matter of real concern to the national security interest of the country, I won’t be delaying a case from February till now and continuously refuse to show up in court.

“Indeed, today when they showed up in court they had failed to respond to the application that has been filed.

“This does not smack of a state interested in justice, it doesn’t show concern for the rights of citizens. And we have said from the very beginning that the whole process is intended to embarrass the court system.”

The Criminal Court 3 of the High Court will reconvene on October 21st where lawyers for Oliver Barker-Vormawor led by Dr Justice Srem-Sai will argue their application to strike out the bill of indictment.

Per the copy of the bill, Mr Barker-Vormawor has been charged with two counts of treason felony.

The bill of indictment will pave the way for the Ashaiman District Court to commit the accused on the charges.

Committal 

At the committal stage, if the magistrate finds the convener to have a case to answer for his conduct, he will be committed to stand trial at the High Court on the charges recommended by the A-G.

Some of the evidence the prosecution will be relying on for the prosecution include Mr Barker-Vormawor’s investigation cautioned statements, his charge sheet, charge statements, his Facebook and Twitter posts, and an intelligence report from the Cybercrime Unit of Ghana Police Service, and intelligence reports from the National Security Ministry.

The state intends to call three witnesses for the trial.

Evidence summary 

According to the summary of evidence captured in the bill of indictment, the complainant on February 11, this year saw a post by the accused person which stated that: “If this E-levy passes after this cake bullshit, I will do the coup myself. Useless Army!”

The case investigator who led the cybercrime unit of the Criminal Investigations Department said on Tuesday February 1, 2022 during his routine 24-hour cyber surveillance and social media monitoring, picked up information on Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s Facebook which stated “Year of Coups” on his Facebook account.

According to the summary, by Wednesday March 9, 2022, the “likes” on the said posts were 255 and the comments 83.

It further stated that the investigator’s analysis of the “comments” section of the post made on February 1, 2022, indicated that the accused had managed to convince a number of people of the need to usurp the executive powers of the Republic through a violent overthrow of the Constitution.

That, according to the bill of indictment, led the investigator to immediately inform his superiors about the intelligence he gathered for their onward action

On Wednesday, December 23, 2022, at 4:48 a.m, the accused made a post on his Facebook profile stating: “Your Democracy! Your Human rights activist President Akufo-Addo is a fraud! Dear Ghana Police Service, I am waiting for my arrest. Nansins Republic.”

The accused is said to have tagged the official Facebook pages of the President of Ghana and the Ghana Police Service.

In another instance, the accused is said to have posted: “This Attorney-General does not fear God. He is claiming that the sick and bedridden Chieftaincy Minister actually went into the chambers and voted for the E-levy even though we all saw that the guy was stuck in his ambulance.

If the Supreme Court actually throws away the last of its dignity to join the puppet master in that deception, all just to punish Ghanaians with E-levy at all cost, so that Article 71 holders can live large at the expense of the people, then at this juncture dier, we have crossed the rubicon of no return and I will do the coup myself. Useless Army.”

The post, according to the bill of indictment, generated over 400 comments with 70 per cent of his followers supporting his intentions to orchestrate a coup in Ghana.

Arrest

Mr Barker-Vormawor was arrested in February this year by the police for “threatening to stage a coup”.

The accused, through his lawyers secured bail at the Tema High Court in the sum of GH¢2 million with two sureties.

Taking to Facebook, he claimed he was stripped down and kept in police cells for 8 hours for a “road traffic offense”.

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Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s pilgrimage to Nkrumah’s hometown [Photos]

“Just released. Arrested at 7:30am. Stripped down and kept in police cells for 8hours, for a ‘road traffic offense’ apparently. 30,000 cedis bail and 2 sureties.

“I am not above the law.

“But why did the 7 Police officers take Albert Donkor from the Police cell, and go and shoot him inside the bush? Then for three weeks lie to his mother that he was assisting with investigation? How is this still a democracy?!”

In an extensive post on Facebook, the activist noted that he hoped to find “a renewed sense of purpose”.

After noting some detours he embarked on as part of the trip, Mr Barker-Vormawor noted that the tour proved to be enlightening as his tour guide told him stories that up until then had no idea about.

Through observation and some interaction, the activist was assured that the youth have not lost their faith that Change will happen.

Read his full post here:

Hey, how is your Sunday going? Are you Up for a little story? I say little but, we both know this is going to be one of my longer posts. So brace yourselves, if you haven’t given up yet.

So, a week ago, over the last long holiday weekend, I decided to take a trip to Kwame Nkrumah’s hometown, Nkroful.

Anyone who really knows me, will know I love road trips. Yet, for security reasons, I haven’t travelled alone since I was arrested.

But I wanted this journey to be a real spiritual one. I wanted to find a renewed sense of purpose for me; and I wanted to do so in a quiet moment. I wanted to be alone with myself.

This was truly a pilgrimage.

So I packed up bag and set off. First I stopped in Cape Coast to see my little brother at the University. We haven’t hanged out in a long time, and ever since I saw him and my father crying over my arrest, and when I was remanded by the District Court, my heart has stayed a little broken.

I used to say to my family that anyone who wants to be an activist must wait for his parents to die. My sister had told me that the last time they spoke recently, he had being stresssed about the possibility that I could face the death penalty. So I decided to make it up to the little man by just hanging out together.

When we did, I took him to visit my friends from the Ashaiman cells, who had been sentenced to Ankaful prison. I wanted him to see their humanity as much as I had done.

I wanted the hold that Prison had over his mind loosened,. And I thought the way to do this was if he saw them truly as humans still.

But when we got there, the prison officers said because he was wearing shorts, they won’t allow him to go in. So I ended up going to see them alone. It was the first time seeing them since I was released. We had a truly bonding moment. Tears were shed

Then I took him to the Elmina slave castle, to appreciate the true cost of our freedoms. How oppressed our people had been for nearly 600 years; and why the sacrifice of freedom is one we must jealously guard even at the cost of our lives. We sat in the horrible reminder that our fellow Africans were collaborators of the white man’s inhumanity. That oppression is not something only a stranger is capable of; but that our own kith and kin, those who share our skin colour and call us brothers, can be and have been partakers of our oppression.

We reflected on the fact that several of our fathers and mothers, threw themselves out to sea, and accepted the fate of death rather than be slaves in another man’s land. Yet today, when surveyed, Ghanaian youth say, if a slave ship was parked today, they will run to it themselves. What an inhumane society we have created. May the ancestors curse our greed and the society we have created?

We also did the Kakum Canopy walk way. Let me tell you a story about my first time doing that walkway. When I was in Junior high school, or Jss as we called it then I was 10 years old at the time. I saw an a poster advertising that workers of the VRA were planning an excursion to Aboadze Thermal Plant and Kakum National Park. It will cost 3,500 at the time. I went home, didn’t talk to anyone, broke my piggy bank (susu box) open and went to pay for myself.

Then as the day drew close my mum found out and she was livid. I have never been so insulted in life. But I was determined. I knew I would receive no help for my trip. I washed my clothes, and cleaned my sneakers. Then the night before, I went to buy a tin of rice, and eggs, and made myself rice and egg stew. In the morning, I woke up at 3am, got ready, packed the food into a blue-band margarine container and took my school bag and went to catch the bus whic was leaving Akuse at 4am.

I loved that trip because It was taken in defiance of parental authority. I felt free; and truly felt I did something for myself. I was scared shitless on that canopy walk that day. But I didn’t want any of the grown ups to see my fear. I didn’t want stories of my crying to flow back and take away from my endeavor. So I braved through out; with my legs shaking at every step.

I took my kid brother there because Kakum remains truly special for me. Someday, if I have a kid, I will let her do that trip, possibly alone.

Then I left my Kid brother for Nkroful. Nkrumah’s birth place and home. If you must know, it is closer to the Côte d’Ivoire border, than it is to Accra. I didn’t know what to expect.

When I got to Nkroful, I knew no one there, so I drove around the town till I saw a signboard that directed to Nkrumah Mausoleum.

When I got there was no one there. And the short metal gates that prevented access to the grounds was held together by a padlock that was not locked the whole way through. You could see through the compound because the gate only stood at my waist. I hadn’t seen that the padlock wasn’t in fact locked yet, so I wondered if I should jump the wall.

I stood for a while. My Ghana flag hanging around my neck. Then I saw a little boy walk past me. Probably 6 years old if not younger. He was wearing one of the Tshirts we made when we organized the Fix Nzema demonstration. It was bigger than him, so he looked even smaller for the age I assumed for him. He was joining his playmates playing football just beside the Mausoleum.

Then I heard the gate creek and I looked closer. I noticed the padlock wasn’t locked, so I went in.

I felt my legs shake as I went in. I sat by his statue and what used to be his grave for hours. I prayed there. I walked around what used to be his mothers kitchen; then where the family bedroom was.

Then as I prepared to leave a young man walked there. He said he was looking for some friends he had asked to wait there. So he had come to find them. I said there was no one here when I arrived. Then he told me that he used to be a guide there before he left for school and now was a national service person at a nearby mining company.

He told me of how Nkrumah’s body was moved from Nkroful to Accra by the Rawlings Government. That visiting dignitaries would want to see the body, except the road to Nkroful was Terrible; and the government was embarrassed by it. So they asked the family that they wanted to move the body to Accra. The family asked that their roads be fixed instead. So the Government stopped providing the chemicals that would preserve the body, so it started to decompose. So the family allowed the Government to take the body to Accra.

I felt such a sense of theft, on hearing that story. Our government refused to use Nkrumah’s body as a pillar to lift that community from underdevelopment. Hmmm

Then He told me that my journey would not be complete unless I went into a stream behind the mausoleum, where Nkrumah used to swim and bathe. It was also the same source of water for the community.

The mysterious river he called it. It was known as River Subile (meaning black river). He told me a local folklore of how Nkrumah’s fate as a great person had been predicted by a traditional (not fetish) priest, after he watched his mum step on a fish in that water.

Also how, Nkrumah when president had found out the water had dried up, and went there to pray with drinks to the ancestors. The heavens opened and it rained; the river filled up and since then it has never dried again.

When he took me to the river, I was hesitant to enter it because like all water bodies in the western region, mining has turned this river brown too. But I removed my trousers, got over it and went in.

Then he told me that every President in this country, with the exception of perhaps military leaders have come to bathe the water.

That when Mills lost twice, he came there and used the water to clean his hands. He won the next election. That Nana Akufo-Addo had done the same. I thought the story improbable but I laughed.

Then as I prepared to leave, he turns to me and said “Oliver, can I ask you a question?’.

I said, wait what, you knew who I was? I had so much been enjoying my anonymity till that moment. Something which has been lost. There was no town or village I went to that I wasn’t recognized in; sometimes despite my disguise. Even at Nzulezo, someone came up to me to confirm if I was “ the #FixTheCountry guy, mr Oliver”.

So I was very surprised because till then he gave me no sign of recognition. He asked me “Are you a politician”. I thought the question strange, so I asked back, what is a politician. He said “are you doing this for the NPP or the NDC ? I said neither.

Then he took out his phone, and he had screenshotted almost every news piece about me. He even had questions he had written down on his phone for me. I thought to myself, this guy had questions to ask me, on the off chance if he ever met me?

Then he told me why he asked that question. I understood that he believes a revolution was soon near. And that he was awake. That soon many other Ghanaians would too. He wanted reassurance that I was genuine; and that I wasn’t doing any of this just to leave them high and dry in their hope. He wanted my reassurance that Ghanaians were not just resigned to accept their oppression and that they had not lost their faith.

I told him I believed that freedom was destined; and that we will win. That I so much believed it. I told him my own story. Of how I grew up in a town just like his. How my ggrandparentslost everything to the construction of the Kpong Dam.

That those who have lived a life of privilege, and those who grew up poor like us, but I have lost their roots and sense of justice, do not sufficiently understand the underbelly of resentment that has built up in the plains and countryside of Ghana.

We said our goodbyes, in the knowledge that our story was not yet complete.

Mr Barker-Vormawor, while addressing the press on Sunday, made a series of allegations, including categorizing as false, a police statement that suggested the police were unaware of his visit.

“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. All we know is that visiting hours are between 4 and 6 pm, so we are waiting till 4 to 6 pm so that if we present it and they refuse it, then we go home”.

He said the donation was on the basis of the poor-feeding treatment he received during his 35-day stay behind bars.

Reacting to this, the Tema Regional police said they only got to know of his benevolent visit from content on media platforms and informed his lawyers that the donation was against Police Standard Operating Procedures (SoP).

In spite of the warning, Mr Barker-Vormawor showed up in the company of others with a band which the police have interpreted to mean he was there to “create unnecessary drama”.

This, the police statement said is the reason they denied him the opportunity, and not due to any “orders from above”.

Mr Barker-Vormawor also said in his press address that he, notwithstanding, made the donation but was called later to retrieve them.

The police have also flagged that report as false.

According to the police, despite allowing for food to be brought to the suspects from time to time by families, the arrangement requires “stringent safety and security protocols” before being accepted and given for consumption.

It is against this background that the police say they do not accept food from sources outside the families and nominated persons of suspects, and Mr Oliver Barker-Vormawor is no exception to that rule.

The police command said they cannot fathom what the fuss and Mr Barker-Vomawor’s motive is, since the “feeding of suspects in custody is hardly an enterprise he can sustain even for more than a day”.

Read the police response below:

A Tema High Court on Wednesday granted Mr Barker-Vormawor a GHC2 million bail.

The bail term is also supposed to be accompanied with two sureties, one who must submit documents of landed property to the court.

According to the police, the accused was taken back to the court to meet the bail conditions pursuant to the judgement.

“At the court, the Registrar informed the Police that he had submitted the document presented by the sureties to the Lands Commission for verification and he was therefore unable to proceed with the execution of the bail until a response was received from the Lands Commission,” a statement, signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Superintendent Alexander Obeng, explained.

But to the Movement, the statement from the police is misleading because the police had no intention of releasing their convener.

“We note that the statement does not deny categorical statements made to Oliver in the presence of several #FixTheCountry activists that the Police have no intention of releasing Oliver yesterday, and that they were waiting for instructions from the IGP who the complainant in the case is, whether to charge Oliver with a new offence,” a statement read.

They argued that as of 1:00 pm yesterday, formal processes pertaining to the bail had already been concluded with eminent professors who had come to stand surety for Mr Barker-Vormawor.

“Yet the police refused to take him back to court to enable him to sign the documents. This prompted Oliver to demand to be sent back to his cells and commence his hunger strike.

“Oliver also indicated to the police that he will no longer receive any visitor, including family or lawyers until the Police begin to show some respect for our democracy by acting as an institution guided by law,” the statement added.

They are, therefore, demanding his immediate release, stating the police must strive to serve with integrity.

Read the full statement below:

Mr Barker-Vormawor was on Wednesday granted a GHC2 million bail by a Tema High Court with two sureties, one must submit documents of landed property to the court.

His passport is to also remain with the police. He is also required to report to the police once a week.

Mr Barker-Vormawor’s supporters, who had gathered outside the courtroom, could not hide their joy following the bail admission and began to chant songs in jubilation.

But Mr Ampaw advised: “We’ve received the bail, you know that. So, if you’re happy he has been granted bail, conduct yourself well.”

Mr Barker-Vormawor was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport on his arrival from London on Friday, February 11, 2022.

He was subsequently detained by the Tema Regional Police Command in connection with a post on Facebook which threatened a coup if the controversial Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) is passed.

The activist is currently facing treason felony charges.

Godfred Dame, in documents filed at the Tema High Court, said, “that contrary to the averments in paragraph 7 of the affidavit in support the evidence gathered so far by the police can sustain a charge of treason felony.”

This forms part of arguments advanced by the Attorney General against a bail request. However, Mr Barker-Vormawor, who is said to be unwell, has put in an application for bail through his lawyers.

He’s facing the charge of treason felony over allegations he has instigated members of his group to overthrow government.

He has been in the custody of the police since February 11, 2022, when he was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport.

Documents filed in opposition to the bail on behalf of the Attorney General spells out challenges investigators have faced so far.

The AG says the youth activist has refused to obey a court order requiring that he grants the police access to his mobile phone.

A search warrant is also said to have granted the police investigators to visit the residence of Mr Barker-Vormawor.

The AG says he has failed to show the police any fixed place of abode within Ghana where he lives.

“That having regard to the nature of the offence and the punishment which conviction will entail, the applicant, a person with no fixed place of abode in Ghana, is not likely to appear to stand trial if granted bail,” the AG argued.

Deputy Attorney General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, had earlier informed the Supreme Court the state may not oppose an application for bail.

The bail application was to be heard on Thursday, March 10, 2022 but was adjourned as the lawyers for the youth activist said they had just received the documents filed by the AG’s office.

The case will be heard on Monday, March 14, 2022.

Godfred Dame says he has so far failed to cooperate with police investigations and has no fixed place of abode.

Mr Barker-Vormawor, who is said to be unwell, has put in an application for bail through his lawyers.

He’s facing the charge of treason felony over allegations he has instigated members of his group to overthrow government.

He has been in the custody of the police since February 11, 2022, when he was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport.

Documents filed in opposition to the bail on behalf of the Attorney General spells out challenges investigators have faced so far. The AG says the youth activist has refused to obey a court order requiring that he grants the police access to his mobile phone.

A search warrant is also said to have been granted police investigators to visit the residence of Mr Barker-Vormawor.

The AG says he has failed to show the police any fixed place of abode within Ghana where he resides.

“That having regard to the nature of the offence and the punishment which conviction will entail, the applicant, a person with no fixed place of abode in Ghana is not likely to appear to stand trial if granted bail,” the AG argued.

The application for bail was to be heard on Thursday, March 10, 2022, but was adjourned as the lawyers for the youth activist said they had just received the documents filed by the AG’s office.

The case will be heard on Monday, March 14, 2022.

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.

READ ALSO:

• #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor arrested

• FixTheCountry’s Barker-Vormawor charged with treason felony

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.