State attorneys oppose bail application for 20 anti-galamsey protestors on remand
State Attorneys have once again opposed the bail application for 20 anti-galamsey protestors currently on remand, submitting fresh affidavits to justify their stance against their release. This follows criticism from a High Court judge on Monday, who expressed disapproval at the attorneys for not attending previous hearings.
During today’s session, the State Attorneys claimed they had not been notified in advance about the bail applications. Nonetheless, they firmly maintained their opposition to granting bail, despite the court’s earlier decision to release 21 of the 53 protestors. The court heard 20 new bail applications this morning.
Monday’s varying bail conditions have added complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings, which carry significant implications for civil rights and environmental activism in Ghana.
Additionally, activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a convener of the Democracy Hub, was once again denied bail by the Accra High Court following his recent arrest during the anti-galamsey protests. He was demonstrating against illegal mining, or galamsey, which has caused severe environmental damage in the country.
According to police, Barker-Vormawor was detained for alleged illegal activities during the protest, with reports indicating that he was filmed removing keys from a police van during the demonstration. Specific details are still under investigation.
