Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor, Felicity Nelson, and 11 other protesters arraigned in connection with the Democracy Hub demonstration have been remanded until September 26.

This was after the Circuit Court presided over by His Honour Kwabena Obiri Yeboah, heard arguments from defense lawyers following the accused persons’ pleas of not guilty to six counts.

The accused persons, except for Oliver Barker-Vormawor and Fanny Otoo, who were both absent from court for health reasons, have pleaded not guilty to six charges.

The charges range from conspiracy, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, and defacement of public notice.

The 13 accused persons are: Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor (A1), absent; Cedric Bansah (A2); Michael Amofa (A3); Emmanuel Ofei (A4); Nii Ayi (A5); Fred Boateng (A6); and Deportee Iddrisu Yusif (A7).

The rest are: Wendele (A8); Fanny Otoo (A9), absent; Samuel Samakor (A10); Felicity Nelson (A11); Nana Amoh Mensah Prempeh (A12); and Thomas Yeboah (A13).

Bail Application

Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, Counsel representing Barker-Vormawor (A1), Felicity Nelson (A11), and Cedric Bansah (A2), argued for bail, stating that Oliver Barker-Vormawor should be released from police custody to receive adequate medical care and defend himself.

He submitted that medical reports indicate Barker-Vormawor is known to be hypertensive and, with this condition, he requires proper medical attention.

Dr. Srem-Sai stated that Barker-Vormawor, who was absent from court, is not being tried in absentia, and the proper procedure has not been invoked by the prosecution—which should have been done when they realized the accused would not be in court.

On Bansah, the second accused, Dr. Srem-Sai submitted that the 24-year-old software engineer has persons of substance to stand as sureties for him. He added that Bansah’s father was a DSP of Police who passed away in 2008, and his mother, ACP Charlotte Owusu, shows that he is a law-abiding citizen who grew up in the barracks.

Counsel argued that the charge of unlawful assembly was not supported by the facts of the case and was “completely unfounded.”

For Felicity Nelson, the 11th accused person, Dr. Srem-Sai argued that the 34-year-old journalist is the mother of a teenage boy whose well-being is at stake.

Counsel submitted that the charge was a misdemeanour and questioned how someone of her calibre, who is a person of substance, would run away.

Counsel for the other accused persons—Chris Osei Yeboah, Benedict Nii-Okraku, Noah Odartey, Duke Aaron Sasu, Ibrahim Anyass, JB Afrifa, and Nelson Noble—each made respective submissions for their clients.

EIB Network Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, who said the sitting took over three hours, reported that the court would on Thursday, September 26, 2024, hear arguments from State Attorneys before deciding on whether to grant bail or not.

Wednesday’s addition of 13 brings the total number of protesters arraigned in court to 52.

Meanwhile, Nana Akosua Kusi, a Senior State Attorney representing the state, provided the court with medical reports on the two accused persons who were absent.

Brief Facts

The brief facts of the case presented to the court were that the accused persons were part of a group of protesters.

On July 9, 2024, the Police Service received a notice from a group known as ‘Democracy Hub’ informing them of their intention to hold a protest dubbed “#Wetaya #ReoccupyJulorbihouse Demonstration.”

According to the prosecution, the group requested the police to provide them with security and protection for the intended demonstration.

The prosecution stated that the group indicated they intended to protest at the Revolutionary Square, opposite the Jubilee House.

“After several meetings with the police, the group was advised to propose an alternative venue as the chosen venue was considered a security zone and likely to affect public order and lead to violence or endanger public defense.

“By an order of the High Court dated 18th September 2024, the group was prohibited from embarking on the intended demonstration at the Revolutionary Square,” the prosecution stated.

It added, “The police thus communicated to the convener of the group and suggested seven different locations for the protest in the interest of public order.”

“The group, however, rejected the proposed venues and elected to protest at the 37 roundabout, which was rejected by the police.

“On 21st September 2024, the group embarked on their protest and gathered around the 37-roundabout, insisting on proceeding to the Revolutionary Square.

“The police mounted barricades around the 37-roundabout in a bid to maintain security and order.

“The barricades restrained the demonstrators from proceeding to the Revolutionary Square,” the prosecution stated.

Serious Traffic

It stated, “The demonstration suddenly turned chaotic as the accused persons resorted to blocking the major roads with stones and vehicles, causing delays at the roundabout.

“This caused significant traffic, delays, inconvenience, and annoyance for commuters within the Liberation Road, El-Wak Stadium, Kawukudi Road, and its environs.”

Billboards

The prosecution further stated that the accused persons “pulled down billboards and burned electoral posters and flags of political parties.”

“Again, the suspects forcefully pushed down the police barricade used to secure the area, obstructing the effort of the police to maintain peace and security.

“On 22nd September, the accused persons again brought in vehicles to block the major roads.

“The police quickly moved in to remove the vehicles to ensure easy flow of traffic for commuters.

“The accused persons, however, fiercely resisted the police’s attempts to tow away the vehicles,” the prosecution stated.

“The first accused person, in particular, was seen forcefully entering the police towing van and, without authorization, turned off the engine and removed the ignition key.

“This action demobilized the police, preventing them from towing away the vehicle used to block the public roads. The first accused person thereafter bolted with the key to the police van,” the prosecution told the court.