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Tag: Barker-Vormawor

  • Barker-Vormawor to challenge GHS5m defamation judgment in favour of Kan Dapaah

    Barker-Vormawor to challenge GHS5m defamation judgment in favour of Kan Dapaah

    Legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vormawor has announced plans to apply to have the High Court’s decision, which awarded GH₵5.1 million in damages to former National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah, set aside, arguing that the process leading to the ruling was unjust.

    Reacting to the March 2 judgment in a Facebook post, the activist pointed to what he termed procedural flaws in the way the matter was handled.

    He contended that his lawyers were prevented from completing their cross-examination of Kan Dapaah and further alleged that although his witness statement was duly filed, the court declined to consider it before delivering its verdict.

    “Of course we will seek to set it aside. But he can take his victory lap,” Barker-Vormawor wrote.

    Background of the case

    On Monday, the High Court in Accra awarded GH₵5 million in general damages against Barker-Vormawor in favour of Kan Dapaah in a defamation suit.

    Additionally, the court imposed costs of GH₵100,000 against the defendant.

    In delivering the ruling, Justice (Rev.) Joseph Owusu Adu-Agyeman granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiff but reduced the compensation from GH₵10 million to GH₵5 million.

    Kan Dapaah had initiated the lawsuit over allegations that he attempted to bribe the activist.

    Barker-Vormawor had publicly claimed that the former minister, together with certain government officials, met him and offered him money to halt his activism against the administration.

    Before the judgment was delivered, his legal team filed an application seeking to relist their Statement of Defence and Witness Statement, both of which had earlier been struck out.

    However, the court dismissed the application, describing it as inconsistent with the applicable rules.

    Consequently, Barker-Vormawor stood before the court without a recognised defence at the time the judgment was pronounced.

    Explaining the sequence of events on Facebook, he stated that following the appointment of his original lawyer as Deputy Attorney General, he sought and obtained an adjournment to secure new representation.

    Upon taking over the case, the new counsel requested time to review proceedings and submit a witness statement, but the judge declined the request and directed that cross-examination should proceed.

    “He missed Court one day, and when we got the record, the judge had struck out my defense and given a date to give judgement,” Barker-Vormawor wrote.

    “We filed a motion to relist the defense and filed my witness statement and that of my other witness. We also filed a motion to arrest judgment. Judge refused it. Went ahead to give Kan Dapaah judgment.”

    He further urged members of the public to examine the witness statement he said the court refused to admit into consideration.

    “You can read my witness statement; that the court refused to consider if you want!” he wrote.

  • I have lost my funding for doctoral programme at Cambridge – Barker-Vormawor cries out

    I have lost my funding for doctoral programme at Cambridge – Barker-Vormawor cries out

    Activist and lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor has lamented the impact of his legal battle on his academic future, revealing that he has lost funding for his doctoral studies at Cambridge University.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested in 2022 by National Security operatives and charged with treason felony over remarks suggesting a coup if Parliament passed the controversial E-Levy bill.

    After more than two years of legal proceedings, the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, discontinued the case, leading to the charges being struck out by Justice Mary Ekua Yanzu on Tuesday, March 18.

    Following the court’s decision, Barker-Vormawor took to social media to express his frustration, sarcastically acknowledging the government’s success in derailing his academic pursuits.

    “Since the intention was to impede my doctoral programme, I want to say Ayekoo to the Government and to Godfred Dame. They succeeded. Kindly release my passport and take me off the No-Fly List,” he stated.

    He further disclosed the financial toll the case had taken on him, stating:

    “Now that I have lost my funding for Cambridge, we need to address that too so I can finish my programme.”

    Barker-Vormawor’s trial was one of several high-profile cases discontinued under Dr. Ayine’s tenure, alongside those involving Dr. Stephen Opuni, businessman Seidu Agongo, and former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama.

  • You succeeded in impeding my doctoral programme – Barker-Vormawor to Dame

    You succeeded in impeding my doctoral programme – Barker-Vormawor to Dame

    Activist and lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor has criticized the government and former Attorney General Godfred Dame, accusing them of deliberately disrupting his academic pursuits following the dismissal of treason felony charges against him.

    Barker-Vormawor had been facing trial for over two years after being arrested in 2022 by National Security operatives for remarks suggesting a coup if Parliament passed the controversial E-Levy bill, which later became law.

    However, on Tuesday, March 18, the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, withdrew the charges, leading to the case being struck out by Justice Mary Ekua Yanzu.

    Although Barker-Vormawor was not present in court, Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah represented the prosecution team, filing a nolle prosequi to formally discontinue the case.

    Reacting to the development, Barker-Vormawor took to social media, sarcastically acknowledging the government’s success in derailing his academic career.

    “Since the intention was to impede my doctoral programme, I want to say Ayekoo to the Government and to Godfred Dame. They succeeded. Kindly release my passport and take me off the No-Fly List,” he stated.

    He further lamented the financial burden caused by the prolonged trial, revealing that he had lost funding for his Cambridge University studies.

    “Now that I have lost my funding for Cambridge, we need to address that too so I can finish my programme,” he added.

    The dismissal of Barker-Vormawor’s case follows a series of high-profile trial withdrawals under Dr. Ayine, including cases involving Dr. Stephen Opuni, businessman Seidu Agongo, and former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama.

  • Release my passport and take me off the ‘No Fly List’ – Barker-Vormawor to govt

    Release my passport and take me off the ‘No Fly List’ – Barker-Vormawor to govt

    Activist and lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor has called on the government to release his passport and remove his name from the No-Fly List following the dismissal of treason felony charges against him.

    “Since the intention was to impede my doctoral programme, I want to say Ayekoo to the Government and to Godfred Dame. They succeeded. Kindly release my passport and take me off the No-Fly List,” he stated.

    The charges, which had kept him entangled in a legal battle for over two years, were formally dropped by Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine on Tuesday, March 18.

    Barker-Vormawor had been arrested in 2022 by National Security operatives after he made comments suggesting a coup if Parliament approved the controversial E-Levy bill, which was later passed into law.

    During the brief court hearing, Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah appeared before Justice Mary Ekua Yanzu to file a nolle prosequi, leading to the case being struck out. Neither Barker-Vormawor nor his legal representatives were present in court.

    The decision to drop the case follows a broader trend under Dr. Ayine, who has discontinued several high-profile prosecutions, including those involving Dr. Stephen Opuni, businessman Seidu Agongo, and former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama.

    Reacting to the development, Barker-Vormawor took to social media to express frustration over the impact of the case on his academic and personal life.

    He further lamented the financial strain caused by the prolonged legal battle, revealing that he had lost funding for his studies at Cambridge University.

    “Now that I have lost my funding for Cambridge, we need to address that too so I can finish my programme,” he added.

  • Treason case against Barker-Vormawor officially withdrawn by AG

    Treason case against Barker-Vormawor officially withdrawn by AG

    The treason felony charges against Oliver Barker-Vormawor have been officially dismissed by the Attorney General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine.

    For more than two years, Oliver Barker-Vormawor has been embroiled in legal proceedings over allegations of plotting a coup.

    In 2022, National Security operatives arrested Mr. Barker-Vormawor and charged him with treason felony after he threatened a coup should Parliament approve the contentious E-Levy bill, which was later enacted into law.

    However, the AG’s move to discontinue the case against Mr. Barker-Vormawor is the latest in a series of high-profile trials that have been dropped since he assumed office.

    On Tuesday, March 18, when the case was called, both Barker-Vormawor and his lawyers were absent from the courtroom.

    However, Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah was present and formally introduced the prosecution team as proceedings commenced.

    The hearing was brief, with Justice Mary Ekua Yanzu acknowledging the Attorney General’s nolle prosequi filing. She then ruled that the charges be struck out, effectively discharging the accused.

    According to Dr. Ayine decision aligns with a broader effort to review key criminal prosecutions. Among the cases he has discontinued are those involving Dr. Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo, as well as former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama.

    During a press conference, Dr. Ayine provided explanations for these actions and suggested a possible reassessment of Barker-Vormawor’s case.

    In response to the court’s ruling, Barker-Vormawor took to social media to extend his appreciation to those who had supported him throughout the legal process.

    Barker-Vormawor reacted to the news with a mix of emotions, reflecting on the impact the case had on his academic and personal life.

    He pointed out that the legal proceedings had successfully disrupted his doctoral studies and sarcastically credited the government and Godfred Dame for that outcome.

    “Since the intention was to impede my doctoral programme, I want to say Ayekoo to the Government and to Godfred Dame. They succeeded. Kindly release my passport and take me off the No-Fly List,” he stated.

    He further highlighted the financial strain caused by the case, revealing that he had lost his funding for Cambridge.

    “Now that I have lost my funding for Cambridge; we need to address that too so I can finish my programme,” he added.

  • I apologise for bribery allegation against Appointments Committee and will withdraw post – Barker-Vormawor

    I apologise for bribery allegation against Appointments Committee and will withdraw post – Barker-Vormawor

    Human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has rendered an unreserved apology to Parliament’s Appointments Committee for a social media post suggesting that ministerial nominees were required to pay money to secure approval.

    Appearing before the Committee for questioning, Barker-Vormawor clarified that his statement was not meant to discredit its members or imply they had engaged in bribery.

    “My post was not intended to disparage members of the Appointments Committee, and I have not intended to say that members of this committee have received or demanded bribes from various individuals. At no point was my statement intended to comment same. For those reasons, I apologise,” he stated.

    He further explained why he had not deleted the post earlier, noting that he had initially considered taking it down but later decided against it to ensure its original wording remained available for verification.

    “The reason why I have left the post on and not deleted it—in fact, I did contemplate it—was because I saw that the words had been twisted, and that if I was questioned on it, reference can be made to verify it,” he added.

    Barker-Vormawor, however, assured the Committee of his willingness to remove the post following their engagement.

    “Mr Chair, I am happy to (pull it down). As the conversation has indicated and clarity has been brought to it. I am happy to.”

    Meanwhile, his lawyer, Nana Ato Dadzie, dismissed allegations that Barker-Vormawor had made a direct claim against National Democratic Congress (NDC) members on the Committee, insisting that one of the statements being circulated was falsely attributed to his client.

    Two statements were scrutinized during the hearing. The first read:

    “So all the monies the ministerial appointees are being asked to pay to the Appointments Committee just to get approved, are those ones not affected by ORAL? Strange Republic.”

    The second statement was more explicit, alleging:

    “NDC members on the vetting committee take money from Mahama’s ministerial nominees before approving them. The Deputy Speaker must submit himself to ORAL.”

    Nana Ato Dadzie strongly rejected the second statement, calling it fabricated.

    “The second statement is fake. He never wrote that statement. He never authored that statement, posted that statement. This is not from Mr. Barker-Vormawor,” he emphasized.

    However, he confirmed that his client was responsible for the first statement, which was posted on Facebook on January 24.

    In response, Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor requested that Barker-Vormawor issue a formal disclaimer regarding the statement he denies authoring.

  • We are searching for publishers at Ghana Post who authored ‘fake’ bribery allegation article against Barker-Vormawor – Lawyer

    We are searching for publishers at Ghana Post who authored ‘fake’ bribery allegation article against Barker-Vormawor – Lawyer

    Lawyer for activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Nana Ato Dadzie, has revealed that his legal team is actively searching for the originators of a controversial publication attributing bribery allegations to his client.

    Speaking before the Appointments Committee today, where Barker-Vormawor was summoned over the allegations, Nana Ato Dadzie disclosed that the contentious post was initially published by an entity called Ghana Today and not directly authored by his client.

    “It was posted by an entity called Ghana Today. He doesn’t publish Ghana Today. This is what has caused so much grief. It is dated 25th January. Our attention was drawn to this, and it took us a long time before we could arrive or find this post. We still want to find out the actual publishers,” he stated.

    The lawyer further indicated that the post seemed to have originated from a platform identified as the NPP Project Bureau, which regularly shares political commentary.

    “It comes from a source which is entitled NPP Project Bureau. It’s like a daily post they make on that particular publication. It is on that for the day, the statement taken out is this—that Barker-Vormawor has said ‘NDC members take money.’ We had to do some real background checks,” he added.

    Additionally, Nana Ato Dadzie rejected claims that Barker-Vormawor authored a widely circulated statement directly accusing National Democratic Congress (NDC) members on the Appointments Committee of taking bribes from ministerial nominees during John Mahama’s administration.

    During the hearing, two statements were presented for scrutiny. The first read:

    “So all the monies the ministerial appointees are being asked to pay to the Appointments Committee just to get approved, are those ones not affected by ORAL? Strange Republic.”

    The second, more pointed in its accusations, alleged:

    “NDC members on the vetting committee take money from Mahama’s ministerial nominees before approving them. The Deputy Speaker must submit himself to ORAL.”

    Nana Ato Dadzie categorically dismissed the second statement as fake, asserting that it was falsely attributed to his client.

    “The second statement is fake. He never wrote that statement. He never authored that statement, posted that statement. This is not from Mr. Barker-Vormawor,” he stressed.

    However, he admitted that Barker-Vormawor was responsible for the first statement, which was posted on Facebook on January 24.

  • Barker-Vormawor will apologise for misunderstanding from bribery allegation post – Lawyer

    Barker-Vormawor will apologise for misunderstanding from bribery allegation post – Lawyer

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s legal representative, Nana Ato Dadzie, has clarified that his client’s controversial social media post about ministerial appointees allegedly paying money for approval by the Appointments Committee has been misinterpreted.

    Appearing before the Committee, Nana Ato Dadzie explained that the post was not intended to accuse the Committee members of wrongdoing but rather to highlight misconduct by external actors that could be undermining the integrity of the vetting process.

    While acknowledging that Barker-Vormawor authored the post, the lawyer insisted that it was not meant to target or malign the Appointments Committee.

    Nonetheless, he announced his intention to offer an apology on behalf of his client and affirmed Barker-Vormawor’s willingness to retract the statement to clear any misconceptions.

    “This statement here and the way it has been put out as though he intended to vilify this honourable committee is suddenly far away from what he intended the post to be and that it is only intended to expose some misconduct by other third parties affecting the work of the Committee,” Nana Ato Dadzie stated.

    He further emphasized that Barker-Vormawor had no intention of engaging in a dispute with the Committee and was ready to apologize for the misunderstanding.

    “We are not here to contend this particular issue… as a supporter of democracy he is ready, willing, and prepared to apologise for this misunderstanding and also to withdraw the post,” he added.

    According to his legal team, the statement was made in good faith and aligns with the principles of the Whistleblower’s Act, which encourages citizens to expose corrupt practices.

    “Under the general rubric of citizenship, he is at liberty to put it out and advocate that that practice should stop,” Nana Ato Dadzie noted.

    Barker-Vormawor’s post had sparked controversy, leading to his summons before the Committee, where he was given the opportunity to clarify his intentions.

  • Privileges Committee must probe bribery allegations by Barker-Vormawor, not Appointments Committee – Dafeamekpor

    Privileges Committee must probe bribery allegations by Barker-Vormawor, not Appointments Committee – Dafeamekpor

    South Dayi Member of Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has challenged the Appointments Committee’s decision to investigate bribery allegations made by human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, insisting that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Privileges Committee.

    According to Dafeamekpor, the allegations amount to contempt of Parliament and should be handled appropriately. Speaking during Barker-Vormawor’s questioning today, he expressed concern that the Appointments Committee was overstepping its mandate.

    “We are spending our precious hours to deal with a matter that we don’t have the mandate to deal with. So Chairman, I made the point that we have power to invite, to put it to him that his statement is contempt of Parliament and of its committee, to that extent a referral will be made by this committee to the appropriate committee. When a report is prepared of that proceedings, then plenary itself will decide on the matter and come out with whatever resolution will be made on the matter,” he explained.

    He further criticized the approach taken by the committee, arguing that the interrogation of Barker-Vormawor was procedurally flawed.

    “The interrogation, cross-examination are all procedurally improper in the interim,” he added.

    Barker-Vormawor recently accused members of the Appointments Committee of demanding money from ministerial nominees appointed by former President John Mahama before vetting and approving them. The allegations sparked outrage, leading to his summons before the committee.

    Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor, however, dismissed the claims and maintained that neither he nor his colleagues had solicited payments from nominees.

    “Our attention is drawn to the media statement by Oliver Barker-Vormawor to the effect that the Majority Members of the Committee have been demanding money before approving the nominees and the Chairman must submit himself to ORAL. Let me place on record that I am ever ready to submit myself to ORAL. The second aspect was to the effect that all the committee members are taking money from the nominees before vetting and approval,” Ahiafor stated.

    He further emphasized the need to put an end to such allegations against Parliament.

    “We need to stop this attitude. So therefore, I, Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament and Chairman of the Vetting Committee, want to place it on record that myself and the committee members do not demand money from any nominee before vetting and for approval,” he added.

    Despite these assertions, Dafeamekpor maintains that the Appointments Committee lacks the authority to probe the matter and has called for its referral to the Privileges Committee for proper adjudication.

  • Barker-Vormawor was acting as a whistleblower – Lawyer

    Barker-Vormawor was acting as a whistleblower – Lawyer

    Lawyer Nana Ato Dazie has defended his client, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, following allegations that the activist accused Parliament’s Appointments Committee of accepting bribes to approve government nominees.

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor was summoned yesterday to appear before the Appointments Committee of Parliament to substantiate allegations.

    Addressing the Appointmnent Committee, Mr Dazie dismissed claims that Barker-Vormawor’s remarks were a direct attack on the Committee.

    Instead, he argued that the statement could be interpreted in multiple ways, depending on the reader’s perspective.

    “The statement that we see is clearly can be seen as a double meaning or interpretation depending upon who reads it. But Certainly not a matter attacking the appointment committee at all. Indeed if it is anything at all to go by, it is a statement of a whistleblower saying that some things are happening,” he stated.

    He further emphasized that Ghana’s Whistleblower Act encourages individuals to expose wrongdoing when they witness or hear about it.

    Thus, Barker-Vormawor was merely fulfilling this civic duty by shedding light on alleged misconduct rather than making baseless accusations.

  • Barker-Vormawor never posted “NDC members on the vetting committee take money….” – Lawyer

    Barker-Vormawor never posted “NDC members on the vetting committee take money….” – Lawyer

    Lawyer for Mr. Barker-Vormawor, Nana Ato Dadzie, has denied some portions of bribery allegations against the Appointments Committee being linked to his client.

    Appearing before the Appointments Committee today, Barker-Vormawor was presented with two different statements reporting the bribery claim.

    The first statement was “So all the monies the ministerial appointees are being asked to pay to the Appointments Committee just to get approved, are those ones not affected by ORAL? Strange Republic.”

    The second statement was “NDC members on the vetting committee take money from Mahama’s ministerial nominees before approving them. The Deputy Speaker must submit himself to ORAL”.

    According to Nana Ato Dadzie, the second statement was not authored by his client.

    He said, “The second statement is fake. He never wrote that statement. He never authored that statement, posted that statement. This is not from Mr Barker Vormawor.”

    However, the lawyer admitted the first statment was authored by his client. He made the claims in a post on Facebook on January 24.

    Mr Barker-Vormawor accused members of the committee of demanding money from ministerial nominees appointed by President John Mahama before vetting and approval, respectively.

    But Chairman of the committee, Bernard Ahiafor, refuted this claim and directed the clerk of the committee to invite Barker-Vormawor for a probe on Wednesday.

    He said, “Our attention is drawn to the media statement by Oliver Barker-Vormawor to the effect that the Majority Members of the Committee have been demanding money before approving the nominees and the Chairman must submit himself to ORAL. Let me place on record that I am ever ready to submit myself to ORAL. The second aspect was to the effect that all the committee members are taking money from the nominees before vetting and approval.”

    “We need to stop this attitude. So therefore I Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament and Chairman of the Vetting Commiittee wants to place it on record that myself and the committee members do not demand money from any nominee before vetting and for approval,” the Chairman added.

    The Clerk of Parliament was directed to summon the human rights activist for questioning today.

  • We will look into any evidence Barker-Vormawor presents to prove bribery claim – Mahama Ayariga

    We will look into any evidence Barker-Vormawor presents to prove bribery claim – Mahama Ayariga

    Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has assured that any evidence presented by Oliver Barker-Vormawor to substantiate his bribery allegations against the Appointments Committee will be thoroughly investigated.

    Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, January 28, the Bawku Central MP reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that the committee has nothing to hide.

    “I had wind of what he said, and then the chairman reached out. I said, call him, let him come. If he has anything and he can substantiate it, we need to deal with it openly and transparently,” Ayariga stated.

    He underscored the importance of integrity in public office, adding, “You will go very far if you are perceived to have integrity. Spending time to erase all doubts regarding your integrity is very important.”

    Sharing a personal experience, Ayariga recounted an encounter with a businessperson who attempted to mobilize funds to support a sector minister’s approval.

    “I actually met somebody who operates in a sector, and the person said, ‘Oh, our minister, our sector minister, is being considered this week, so we want to go and help him.’ And I said, ‘Has the sector minister asked you to come and help him?’ He said, ‘No, no, we just want to come together and help him.’”

    He firmly rejected the proposal, stressing that such contributions were neither necessary nor acceptable.

    “I told the person, I don’t think there’s a need for you and people in your sector to be mobilizing money to help your minister because we won’t even accept it. So that is out there—you get the situation, right? A certain perception that, oh, maybe somebody in the private sector spoke, and he heard something.

    “But if Barker-Vormawor has anything about money being handed over to Appointments Committee members, he should just come forward, and we’ll look into it.”

    Ayariga emphasized the need to uphold the credibility of Parliament’s vetting process.

    “I encourage it—not just this instance, but any other instance—because we want to build institutions that have integrity, are credible, and that Ghanaians have trust and confidence in.”

    He further explained that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) holds a commanding majority in Parliament, making it unnecessary for ministerial nominees to pay bribes for approval.

    “NDC is in power. We have 184 members, and we have four other independent members. Two are actually NDC members, and the others have agreed to do business with us. We can approve anybody,” he asserted.

    Unless a nominee faces a serious petition against their appointment, he stated, there is no impediment to their confirmation.

    “No nominee needs to give anybody any money because, as a party, you will be whipped in line to vote according to the party’s interest. There’s no way any nominee would need to pay. If there’s something fundamentally wrong with you, and it’s revealed through a petition, then we will go back to His Excellency and say, ‘Please, Excellency, we know your standards. This guy doesn’t meet your standards. Can you withdraw the nomination?’”

    He dismissed claims that nominees were desperate for approval, noting that most of them are already Members of Parliament and constitutionally qualified for ministerial positions.

    “Most of them are sitting Members of Parliament. Constitutionally, at the barest minimum, they are qualified to be ministers of state. The vetting provides an opportunity to convince Ghanaians that they are fit for purpose.

    “Otherwise, there’s no single nominee there who has any challenge being successfully processed by Parliament. So, there is no need to give anybody anything,” he explained.

    Ayariga expressed confidence that no credible evidence of bribery would emerge but maintained Parliament’s openness to any legitimate claims.

    “I have not seen it, so I would be surprised if anything comes up tomorrow,” he stated. “I will be surprised. But we encourage anyone with information to come forward.”

  • Barker-Vormawor arrives in Parliament for questioning over bribery allegation

    Barker-Vormawor arrives in Parliament for questioning over bribery allegation

    Human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor is already in Parliament and is set to appear before the Appointments Committee following a summons over his recent bribery allegation against members of the committee.

    Barker-Vormawor had alleged that committee members demanded money from ministerial nominees appointed by former President John Mahama before vetting and approving them.

    The claim, which he made in a Facebook post on January 24, has drawn strong rebuttals from parliamentary officials.

    In his post, he wrote, “So all the monies the ministerial appointees are being asked to pay to the Appointments Committee just to get approved, are those ones not affected by ORAL? Strange Republic.”

    The Clerk of Parliament was directed to summon him for questioning.

    Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, dismissed the allegations and instructed the committee clerk to invite Barker-Vormawor for a probe today.

    “Our attention is drawn to the media statement by Oliver Barker-Vormawor to the effect that the Majority Members of the Committee have been demanding money before approving the nominees and the Chairman must submit himself to ORAL. Let me place on record that I am ever ready to submit myself to ORAL. The second aspect was to the effect that all the committee members are taking money from the nominees before vetting and approval,” Ahiafor stated.

    He further stressed that such allegations undermine the integrity of the committee and must not be entertained.

    “We need to stop this attitude. So therefore, I, Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament and Chairman of the Vetting Committee, want to place it on record that myself and the committee members do not demand money from any nominee before vetting and for approval.”

    Yesterday, Barker-Vormawor expressed readiness to respond to the summons, viewing it as a step towards democratic accountability. In a post on X, he stated, “This is how a Democracy improves.

    I look forward to appearing before the Appointments Committee tomorrow. Thank You.”

  • Barker-Vormawor appears before Parliament today over bribery allegation against Appointments Committee

    Barker-Vormawor appears before Parliament today over bribery allegation against Appointments Committee

    Human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor is set to appear before Parliament today following a summons over his recent bribery allegation against members of the Appointments Committee.

    Barker-Vormawor had alleged that committee members demanded money from ministerial nominees appointed by former President John Mahama before vetting and approving them. The claim, which he made in a Facebook post on January 24, has drawn strong rebuttals from parliamentary officials.

    In his post, he wrote, “So all the monies the ministerial appointees are being asked to pay to the Appointments Committee just to get approved, are those ones not affected by ORAL? Strange Republic.”

    The Clerk of Parliament was directed to summon him for questioning. Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, dismissed the allegations and instructed the committee clerk to invite Barker-Vormawor for a probe today.

    “Our attention is drawn to the media statement by Oliver Barker-Vormawor to the effect that the Majority Members of the Committee have been demanding money before approving the nominees and the Chairman must submit himself to ORAL. Let me place on record that I am ever ready to submit myself to ORAL. The second aspect was to the effect that all the committee members are taking money from the nominees before vetting and approval,” Ahiafor stated.

    He further stressed that such allegations undermine the integrity of the committee and must not be entertained.

    “We need to stop this attitude. So therefore, I, Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament and Chairman of the Vetting Committee, want to place it on record that myself and the committee members do not demand money from any nominee before vetting and for approval.”

    Meanwhile, Barker-Vormawor has expressed readiness to respond to the summons, viewing it as a step towards democratic accountability. In a post on X, he stated, “This is how a Democracy improves. I look forward to appearing before the Appointments Committee tomorrow. Thank You.”

  • I look forward to appearing before Appointments Committee – Barker-Vormawor

    I look forward to appearing before Appointments Committee – Barker-Vormawor

    Human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has expressed readiness to appear before Parliament following a summons issued over his recent allegation that members of the Appointments Committee demand bribes from ministerial nominees before vetting and approval.

    In a post shared on X, Barker-Vormawor wrote, “This is how a Democracy improves. I look forward to appearing before the Appointments Committee tomorrow. Thank You.”

    His comments come in the wake of directives from the Clerk of Parliament for him to appear on Wednesday, a move prompted by concerns raised by Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee. Mr. Ahiafor has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and harmful to the committee’s integrity.

    Reacting to the claims, Mr. Ahiafor said, “Our attention is drawn to the media statement by Oliver Barker-Vormawor to the effect that the Majority Members of the Committee have been demanding money before approving the nominees and the Chairman must submit himself to ORAL. Let me place on record that I am ever ready to submit myself to ORAL.”

    He also dismissed suggestions that the committee as a whole is involved in such activities. “The second aspect was to the effect that all the committee members are taking money from the nominees before vetting and approval,” he stated. “We need to stop this attitude. So, therefore, I, Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament and Chairman of the Vetting Committee, want to place it on record that myself and the committee members do not demand money from any nominee before vetting and for approval.”

    The allegations have sparked divisions within the committee, with the Minority advocating for a suspension of vetting activities until the issue is resolved. However, the Majority side insists that the process should continue as planned.

    Barker-Vormawor’s scheduled appearance is expected to shed light on the allegations and provide an opportunity for him to substantiate his claims. As Parliament works to protect its reputation, the public remains keenly interested in the outcome of the inquiry.

    The Appointments Committee leadership has urged all parties to refrain from making unsubstantiated accusations that could undermine confidence in the legislative process, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in their deliberations.

  • Parliament summons Barker-Vormawor over bribery allegation against Appointments Committee

    Parliament summons Barker-Vormawor over bribery allegation against Appointments Committee

    Parliament has summoned Human Rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor over his recent allegation against members of the Appointments Committee.

    Mr Barker-Vormawor is said to have accused members of the committee of demanding money from ministerial nominees appointed by President John Mahama before vetting and approval, respectively.

    He made the claims in a post on Facebook on January 24.

    The Clerk of Parliament has been directed to summon the human rights activist.

    Chairman of the committee, Bernard Ahiafor, refuted this claim and directed the clerk of the committee to invite Barker-Vormawor for a probe on Wednesday.

    He said, “Our attention is drawn to the media statement by Oliver Barker-Vormawor to the effect that the Majority Members of the Committee have been demanding money before approving the nominees and the Chairman must submit himself to ORAL. Let me place on record that I am ever ready to submit myself to ORAL. The second aspect was to the effect that all the committee members are taking money from the nominees before vetting and approval.”

    “We need to stop this attitude. So therefore I Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament and Chairman of the Vetting Commiittee wants to place it on record that myself and the committee members do not demand money from any nominee before vetting and for approval,” the Chairman added.

    Currently, the Committee is deliberating on suspending vetting until the matter is resolved. The Minority side of the committee has called for the suspension of vetting, however, the Majority side has entreated for vetting to proceed.

  • You can’t take the law into your hands – Barker-Vormawor to people vandalising state properties

    You can’t take the law into your hands – Barker-Vormawor to people vandalising state properties

    Private Legal Practitioner and Human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has strongly condemned the continued vandalism of party and public offices by individuals protesting political appointments, stressing that such actions are never justified and urging stronger accountability measures.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Barker-Vormawor criticized politicians for permitting the mobilization of individuals to carry out these destructive acts, which he claims are often organized by influential figures behind the scenes.

    “What is disappointing to me is that politicians are continuing to allow this, the mobilizing of individuals to attack party offices and things like that, because people have been left out of office,” Barker-Vormawor said. He added that those orchestrating these attacks should also face criminal accountability.

    “A lot of people know who are behind them, mobilising young people to do this. Criminal accountability should not only extend to the individuals involved, but some of the people who are bankrolling and moving, it has to stop,” he asserted.

    Barker-Vormawor explained that such incidents are rarely spontaneous, noting that large-scale mobilization requires careful planning and coordination.

    “I have done mobilization for a long time, people don’t just stand up and mass up. I can’t declare even for myself and what we do declare here that meet me here tomorrow and 100 people will show up. It’s not going to work. There’s a process of calling up people and writing them and telling them this and that. And so let’s show up and do something,” he elaborated.

    His comments came amid reports of unrest and property damage by political party supporters protesting the handling of appointments under President John Mahama’s administration.

    Mr. Barker-Vormawor further reminded the public that party offices are legally classified as public assets, with Supreme Court rulings reinforcing the need to treat acts of vandalism as serious criminal offenses. He called for enhanced investigative measures to address these recurring issues.

    “If we are treating it as a normal criminal act, then investigative processes must be activated because it has happened so many times when we sweep it under the carpet,” he said.

    While acknowledging that disappointment over not receiving appointments is natural, he emphasized that it does not justify taking the law into one’s own hands.

    “Everybody is entitled to be disappointed when not appointed to some process. But what you don’t have is the right to be able to take the law into your own hands in this matter. There’s no entitlement to it,” he concluded.

  • We must be able to prosecute presidents after their tenure – Barker-Vormawor

    We must be able to prosecute presidents after their tenure – Barker-Vormawor

    Human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has called for the removal of constitutional provisions that shield Ghanaian presidents from prosecution after leaving office, describing such clauses as enablers of impunity.

    “The Constitution cannot preach justice while entrenching impunity. We have also argued that Presidents should not be shielded from prosecution after their tenure,” he said on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 25.

    Section 57 of the 1992 constitution states that “Civil or criminal proceedings may be instituted against a person within three years after his ceasing to be President, in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him in his personal capacity before or during his term of office notwithstanding any period of limitation except where the proceedings had been legally barred before he assumed the office of President.”

    Per the law, the President shall not, while in office as President, be personally liable to any civil or criminal proceedings in court.

    Barker-Vormawor also advocated for the abolition of the Council of State, labeling it an irrelevant institution.

    “The abolishment of the Council of State is what we have called for. We believe that if we move forward without it, nobody would even remember it exists,” he stated.

    Additionally, he called for judicial restructuring and emphasized that the President must be subject to taxation like every other citizen, insisting there should be no exceptions.

    His proposals come amid growing calls for constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing accountability and fairness within Ghana’s governance and legal systems.

  • Council of State should be abolished, no one would remember it – Vormawor

    Council of State should be abolished, no one would remember it – Vormawor

    Human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has renewed calls for sweeping constitutional reforms in Ghana, including the outright abolition of the Council of State, which he argues has outlived its purpose.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 25, Barker-Vormawor asserted that the Council’s role has become irrelevant in modern governance, making its removal inconsequential.

    “The abolishment of the Council of State is what we have called for. We believe that if we move forward without it, nobody would even remember it exists,” he stated.

    Barker-Vormawor’s remarks form part of a broader advocacy for reforms that aim to promote accountability, transparency, and fairness in Ghana’s governance system. He also underscored the need to remove indemnity provisions from the Constitution, describing them as contradictory to the principles of justice.

    “The Constitution cannot preach justice while entrenching impunity. We have also argued that Presidents should not be shielded from prosecution after their tenure,” he added.

    In addition, he advocated for restructuring the judicial system and called for measures to ensure that sitting Presidents are subject to taxation like all citizens.

    These proposals align with ongoing debates about the need to overhaul Ghana’s legal and governance frameworks to reflect the nation’s current realities and aspirations.

  • Barker-Vormawor’s friend shot dead

    Barker-Vormawor’s friend shot dead

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Convenor for the Democracy Hub, has announced the death of his close friend and former cellmate, Ibrahim, in a post on social media platform X on October 24.

    According to Barker-Vormawor, Ibrahim was fatally shot from behind on his motorbike on Wednesday, with his body later released to his family by the Ghana Police Hospital.

    The announcement has cast a shadow over a recent legal case involving Ibrahim, with Barker-Vormawor’s law firm representing him and his wife in a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General.

    Filed in response to repeated alleged harassment and unlawful actions by police officers, the suit details Ibrahim’s frequent confrontations with the police, including unlawful arrests, unauthorized home searches, and reported theft of household items.

    In a specific allegation, Barker-Vormawor cited multiple instances of officers entering Ibrahim’s home at midnight, often when he and his wife were asleep, leaving them vulnerable.

    In his emotional post, Barker-Vormawor paid tribute to Ibrahim, recalling the bond they developed as cellmates in Ashaiman and reflecting on the depth of friendship they shared. “No stranger has ever loved me as deeply as Ibrahim did,” he expressed, adding that he was “broken” by the news.

  • List of 15 books Barker-Vormawor read while in Police custody

    List of 15 books Barker-Vormawor read while in Police custody

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor, convenor of the anti-galamsey protest organized by the Democracy Hub, read 15 books while in police custody before being granted bail in the sum of GHS 20,000 on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, after three previous unsuccessful attempts.

    His earlier applications for bail were denied by both the Accra High Court and the Circuit Court.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested during a demonstration against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has caused significant environmental harm across Ghana. The protest drew participation from various activists united in raising awareness and pushing for action to protect the country’s natural resources. Barker-Vormawor has been a vocal critic of galamsey, advocating for environmental reforms and stronger accountability measures.

    According to police reports, he was arrested for engaging in unlawful activities during the protest, although the specifics of his alleged misconduct remain under investigation. One incident cited in his arrest was the removal of keys from a police van parked at the protest site.

    Despite these legal challenges, Barker-Vormawor has remained committed to combating illegal mining and protecting Ghana’s environment. His bail release enables him to continue advocating for this cause as the investigation into the protest and his actions continues.

    While in police custody, Barker-Vormawor read the following 15 books:

    Long Walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela

    Le Serment des Barbares – Boualem Sansal

    Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire – Akala

    The Burden of Proof – Scott Turow

    Changes – Ama Atta Aidoo

    Finding Me – Viola Davis

    The Fourth John: Reign, Rejection & Rebound – Manasseh Azure

    Ama, A Story of the Atlantic Slave Trade – Manu Herbstein

    The Miraculous Fever-Tree: Malaria and the Quest for a Cure That Changed the World – Fiammetta Rocco

    Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West – Stephen Ambrose

    Gandhi: Radical Wisdom for a Changing World – Mahatma Gandhi

    Notes from the Public Square: What Ghanaians Said & How They Felt During Kufuor’s Presidency – John Osae-Kwapong

    How to Think Politically: Sages, Scholars and Statesmen Whose Ideas Have Shaped the World – Graeme Garrard and James Bernard Murphy

    Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D. – Chancellor Williams

    Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison – Shaka Senghor

  • Court grants Barker-Vormawor GHC20k bail

    Court grants Barker-Vormawor GHC20k bail

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor, convenor of the anti-galamsey protest organized by the Democracy Hub, has been granted bail in the sum of GHS20,000 on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, after three previous unsuccessful attempts.

    His earlier applications for bail were denied by both the Accra High Court and the Circuit Court. Barker-Vormawor was arrested during a demonstration protesting against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has inflicted significant environmental harm across Ghana.

    The protest drew participation from several activists, all united in raising awareness and pushing for action to address the destruction of the country’s natural resources. Barker-Vormawor, in particular, has been a vocal critic of galamsey, urging for environmental reforms and stronger accountability measures in the fight against the illegal practice.

    According to police reports, the activist was arrested for engaging in unlawful activities during the protest, although the specifics of his alleged misconduct remain under investigation. One of the incidents cited in his arrest was the removal of the keys from a police van parked at the protest site.

    Despite these legal hurdles, Barker-Vormawor has remained resolute in his mission to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s environment. His bail release allows him to continue advocating for the cause, as the investigation into the protest and his actions continues.

  • Police never covered my medical costs – Barker-Vormawor

    Police never covered my medical costs – Barker-Vormawor

    Leader of the Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has pushed back against claims made by the Ghana Police Service regarding the payment of his medical bills while in detention.

    In a post on his X account on Monday, October 14, 2024, Barker-Vormawor stated that although the police took him to the hospital, they failed to pay for his prescribed medication and medical tests.

    “Yes, I can confirm the Ghana Police Service took me to the hospital and couldn’t pay for my drugs and medical tests.

    “On the first day, they kept harassing the just-released protestors who came to see me at the hospital to pay for the medications prescribed by the hospital. They refused and called the police out on it.”

    He added that after news of this incident spread, the police reimbursed the money by sending mobile money (MoMo) to one of the protestors, Priscilla, to cover what they had taken from his brother.

    “Eventually, my brother gave the CID 100 cedis to pay for part of the drugs. The other drugs prescribed were not procured. Also, they didn’t pay for the blood tests that I had to do that day. When the news broke that they didn’t pay for the drugs, they sent Momo to Priscilla, one of the arrested protestors, to reimburse the money they took from my brother,” he revealed.

    Barker-Vormawor also shared that when he returned to the hospital the next day, the police eventually paid for part of the remaining medication, but only after public pressure.

    He has since challenged the police to provide receipts for the drugs they claimed to have purchased, giving them full consent to release the information.

    He further alleged that it’s common practice for police to take detainees to the hospital and not provide the prescribed medication, citing his personal experience of having to buy drugs for another inmate just a day earlier.

    “It is routine for the police to take several suspects to the hospital only to return without their prescribed drugs,” he said, adding that he had personally purchased drugs for another inmate the previous day.

    On October 11, 2024, the Ghana Police Service issued a statement asserting that they had covered all of Barker-Vormawor’s medical expenses in accordance with their Standard Operating Procedures for suspects in custody. They also denied reports that he had been rushed to the hospital, labeling them as false.

    Barker-Vormawor remains in custody after being denied bail, following his arrest with 52 other protestors for charges including unlawful assembly, assault, and defacement of public property during a demonstration against illegal mining (galamsey).

  • All medical expenses for Barker-Vormawor were fully covered by us – Police

    All medical expenses for Barker-Vormawor were fully covered by us – Police

    The Ghana Police Service has refuted recent social media claims that political activist leader of the Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has returned to police custody from the Police Hospital due to insufficient funds for his medical expenses.

    In an official statement, the police described these allegations as “palpable falsehoods” intended to evoke public sympathy for Barker-Vormawor.

    They clarified that all medical expenses incurred during his hospital stay were fully covered in accordance with their Standard Operating Procedures for suspects in custody.

    While the Police Service highlighted their commitment to covering medical costs, they stated they cannot disclose specific expense details due to doctor-patient confidentiality. Additionally, they dismissed claims that Barker-Vormawor had been rushed to the hospital, labeling such reports as unfounded and urging the public to disregard them.

    This statement comes amid ongoing controversy and conflicting reports regarding Barker-Vormawor’s treatment while in police custody, as he faces charges connected to his activism and public statements.

  • Barker-Vormawor hospitalised again after being denied bail thrice

    Barker-Vormawor hospitalised again after being denied bail thrice

    Democracy Hub has raised alarm over the health of its convener, activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who was rushed to the Police Hospital earlier on October 10, amid growing concerns about his deteriorating condition.

    This marks the second time his health has worsened since his detention by the Ghana Police Service on September 23, 2024, the group indicated in a press statement.

    In a statement, Democracy Hub revealed that “Oliver remains in police custody, having been one of the 53 activists unjustly detained during the protests on September 21, 2024. Currently, medical professionals are conducting tests to assess his condition and determine whether hospitalization is necessary.”

    Barker-Vormawor’s latest health scare follows his prolonged remand, despite appeals made to the Accra High Court and Circuit Court for his release.

    On October 8, 2024, he was denied bail for the third time, with the Attorney General’s Department opposing his request. All 52 other activists arrested alongside him were released on bail on October 9, but Barker-Vormawor’s pleas have been consistently rejected, leading to widespread concern.

    President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed his dismay over the decision to keep Barker-Vormawor in custody without bail.

    “It is still unconscionable that someone will be remanded in jail for two weeks without bail for this under the judicial view that it is to prevent him from committing further ‘crimes.’ Really! Now a judge is now a clairvoyant too?” he questioned in a Facebook post.

    Barker-Vormawor’s health concerns first arose on September 25, when he, along with another suspect from the Democracy Hub demonstration case, was taken to the Police Hospital following complaints of ill health. He was later remanded for two weeks, and his condition has since worsened.

    The group is calling on the public to keep Barker-Vormawor in their thoughts and prayers as they continue to monitor his situation closely.

    Barker-Vormawor’s legal team has expressed frustration over the repeated bail refusals, and Democracy Hub has vowed to continue fighting for his release, urging the authorities to prioritize his health needs.

  • Ghana is worth the sacrifice! Stay the course! – Barker-Vormawor speaks bail denial

    Ghana is worth the sacrifice! Stay the course! – Barker-Vormawor speaks bail denial

    One of the leaders of the Democracy Hub and organizer of a recent three-day #StopGalamsey protest, expressed his thoughts following the Accra High Court’s decision to deny him bail.

    The convener emphasized that the challenges he faces from protesting against illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, are worthwhile for the benefit of the nation.

    He stated that he remains unfazed by his arrest and the court’s refusal to grant him bail, insisting that the sacrifice he is making is justified for the greater good of the country.

    “Ghana is worth the sacrifice! Stay the course!,” Barker-Vormawor wrote on X on October 8, 2024.

    Background:

    The bail application of Oliver Barker-Vormawor was denied by the Accra High Court, with Justice Comfort Tasiame presiding. The judge cited the necessity for further investigation and raised concerns about potential public unrest if he were released.

    Barker-Vormawor is facing charges of treason, which precludes him from being granted bail for another offense, according to the judge’s remarks.

    His legal team contended that his detention infringes on his constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, emphasizing that the protests were non-violent and aimed at highlighting the detrimental effects of illegal mining.

    Kwaku Asante shared the news of the bail denial on social media platform X on Monday, October 7, 2024. He noted, “The High Court has refused to grant Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Convenor of the protest, bail. According to the judge, Oliver is currently standing trial for treason, and what assurance is there that he won’t commit another offense if granted bail?”

    Barker-Vormawor was apprehended alongside 53 others, charged with offenses including unlawful assembly, unlawful damage, assaulting a public officer, and engaging in conduct that could breach the peace during the protest against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, held on Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, at the 37 Intersection in Accra. He was filmed during the protest taking the keys from a police van that was parked nearby.

    Read post below…

  • A Judge is now a clairvoyant too? – Franklin Cudjoe reacts to Barker-Vormawor’s remand

    A Judge is now a clairvoyant too? – Franklin Cudjoe reacts to Barker-Vormawor’s remand

    President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed outrage over the continued remand of Oliver Barker-Vormawor, convenor of the anti-galamsey protest organized by the Democracy Hub.

    In a Facebook post, he questioned the rationale behind the decision, writing, “It is still unconscionable that someone will be remanded in jail for two weeks without bail for this under the judicial view that it is to prevent him from committing further ‘crimes.’ Really! Now a judge is now a clairvoyant too?”

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor was once again denied bail by the Circuit Court, marking the third time his request has been refused since his arrest during the demonstration two weeks ago.

    The Attorney General’s Department opposed his latest bail application, leading to the court’s decision. Both the Accra High Court and the Circuit Court had previously denied his bail requests.

    However, in a contrasting ruling, Fanny Otoo, another detainee who has been unwell since her arrest, was granted bail set at GH₵20,000 with two sureties. Barker-Vormawor’s case has now been adjourned to October 14, 2024.

    Several other protestors have also seen developments in their legal battles. Ama Governor and eight others were granted bail, set at GH₵70,000 each, while twelve additional protestors, including Felicity Nelson, were granted bail with distinct surety conditions. These varying bail terms highlight the complexity of the ongoing legal proceedings, which have significant implications for civil rights and environmental activism in Ghana.

    Earlier today, the State filed an affidavit opposing the bail applications for 20 other anti-galamsey detainees, citing that they had not been properly served, despite court documents showing that service was completed on October 2. The judge has directed the protestors’ lawyers to properly serve the State, with the next hearing for these detainees scheduled for Wednesday, October 9.

  • I removed key from police van to protect protesters – Barker-Vormawor

    I removed key from police van to protect protesters – Barker-Vormawor

    Lead Convenor of Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has clarified his actions during the recent #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse protest, where he took the ignition key from a police towing vehicle.

    He stated that his intention was to stop the truck from potentially harming protesters as law enforcement attempted to tow a vehicle carrying essential supplies for the demonstration. Following this incident, Barker-Vormawor was arrested and faced charges related to his conduct during the protest.

    “One of the things is that we brought a little van that has all our equipment inside. It has water, placards, medicine, food, and a public address system. The vehicle had just come and was parked under a tree.

    Then we saw police officers, and that’s when the escalation started. We saw police officers start to go around the vehicle, presumably thinking that we were going to use the vehicle to do something.

    In fact, the vehicle was parked under the tree, so I called the driver and told him to lock the vehicle and remove a laptop that was in there; it can stand there; it’s not a problem,” he explained in an interview he granted to Metro TV before his arrest on Monday, September 23, 2024.

    “Shortly thereafter, we saw them bringing a tow truck. Despite the individuals and lives there, they started pushing the tow truck right on our legs, and this was deeply concerning to us. So we were finding all kinds of ways to prevent them from towing the vehicle which our supplies were in; this was a humanitarian vehicle,” he added.

    The activist stated that he was compelled to remove the ignition key of the truck as a last resort to stop the vehicle from causing injury to the protesters.

    Contrary to some claims, he emphasised that his aim was to ensure the safety of the protesters as he immediately threw the key into a crowd of police officers gathered around the scene.

    So I turned the vehicle off in order to stop it from continuing to press onto protesters that were there, and what do I do? I moved towards where the other police were and threw the key towards them,” he explained.

    “The vehicle continued to back onto us; eventually you see them start pressing in on us. So you see them pressing in, pushing on me with their batons. So I knew that we had to find a way to extricate ourselves if not people were going to get seriously injured.

    “So then you see me eventually find a way to walk out of the police vehicle, go around the police vehicle to see how we can find a way to stop this vehicle from continuing to press on people in order to save lives. So I go in there and I see that they had abandoned the vehicle and it was still on.

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor is among more than 50 individuals facing a range of charges, including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and assault on a public officer, stemming from a three-day protest that escalated into chaos, resulting in numerous arrests.

    The prosecution alleges that Barker-Vormawor forcibly entered a police towing vehicle, unauthorizedly shutting off the engine and taking out the ignition key. Following his court appearance, he was ordered to remain in custody by a judge in Accra.

  • Barker-Vormawor can’t tamper with a police van and go scott-free – Antwi-Danso

    Barker-Vormawor can’t tamper with a police van and go scott-free – Antwi-Danso

    The Dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Prof. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, has criticized some actions taken by Democracy Hub demonstrators during the recent Accra protests, particularly the actions of convenor Oliver Barker-Vormawor.

    The security expert expressed concern over what he described as unlawful behavior during the protests. He specifically condemned Barker-Vormawor’s decision to remove the key from a police vehicle, an act he considered highly inappropriate and unlawful.

    “You can’t do this anywhere in the world and go scot-free. What right did that person have to enter a police vehicle and ignite it, with the hope of doing what? To be honest with you, I was appalled,” Antwi-Danso said in an interview with JoyNews.

    He emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful and lawful conduct, even when addressing critical national issues like illegal mining. According to him, actions like tampering with a police vehicle undermine the democratic values the protesters claim to uphold.

    “I can’t even believe that any good person believing in democracy, as they call themselves, Democracy Hub, would think it’s their democratic right to enter a police vehicle and attempt to use it or tamper with it. This is criminal, honestly speaking,” he added.

    The protest, which formed part of the #StopGalamseyNow and #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrations, has resulted in the arrest and remand of 51 protesters including Barker-Vormawor by an Accra Circuit Court as of Thursday, September 26.

    However, Noah Adamtey, a member of the legal team representing the protesters, has alleged that the state is more interested in punishing the demonstrators rather than ensuring justice. He claimed the remanded protesters were denied access to their lawyers, a violation of their constitutional rights.

    Adamtey, speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, suggested that the state’s focus is on deterring future protests against galamsey rather than addressing the legal issues fairly.

  • Barker-Vormawor, another admitted to Police Hospital after arrest

    Barker-Vormawor, another admitted to Police Hospital after arrest

    The Ghana Police Service has taken two suspects involved in the Democracy Hub demonstration case to the Police Hospital for medical treatment following their complaints of ill health.

    Among them is Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the convener of the Democracy Hub protest, who, along with fellow suspect Fanny Otoo, was apprehended by police during protests that took place in Accra.

    According to a statement from the Police, Fanny Otoo complained of feeling unwell on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, while the suspects were being prepared for court. The police responded promptly, sending him to the Police Hospital in Accra, where doctors examined and subsequently admitted him for further treatment.

    Later that night, Oliver Barker-Vormawor also reported feeling sick. He was similarly transported to the Police Hospital, where doctors assessed his condition and admitted him for medical care. The Police assured the public that both suspects were given the necessary medical attention and at no point were they denied healthcare.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested for his involvement in what the Police have described as “various unlawful acts” during the Democracy Hub protests. A Police statement noted, “The Ghana Police Service has arrested Oliver Barker-Vormawor, one of the leaders of Democracy Hub, for the various unlawful acts he was involved in on Saturday, 21st September and Sunday, 22nd September 2024, at the 37 Intersection in Accra.”

    Thirty-nine protestors, including Barker-Vormawor, were arrested for engaging in acts of lawlessness during the demonstrations at the 37 Intersection in Accra on September 22 and 23. They appeared in court on September 24, 2024. Of the group, 28 were remanded into Police custody, while 11 others were remanded into Prison custody.

    The Office of the Attorney-General is leading the legal proceedings, with 30 of the accused scheduled to reappear in court on October 8, 2024, while the remaining 9 protestors are set to be arraigned on October 11, 2024. Authorities have confirmed that additional suspects involved in the protests will face legal action.

    The protests, which aimed to highlight concerns about the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, drew significant public attention. However, the acts of lawlessness during the demonstrations have led to mixed reactions from the public. Some are calling for stricter law enforcement, while others emphasize the need to protect the right to peaceful assembly.

  • Barker-Vormawor ‘missing’ at Democracy hub demo grounds after Police manhunt

    Barker-Vormawor ‘missing’ at Democracy hub demo grounds after Police manhunt

    It is Day 3 of the Democracy Hub protest, which commenced last Saturday, and reports indicate that its convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, is nowhere to be found, leaving fellow demonstrators stranded during their protest in Accra.

    This development follows the Ghana Police Service’s intensified efforts to apprehend him for alleged unlawful activities during the early stages of the demonstration.

    However, Barker-Vormawor has rejected claims by the police that he is in hiding and has been declared wanted. Describing the allegations as “baseless and misleading,” he clarified that he has been in regular communication with senior police officers regarding his whereabouts and availability.

    The protest, which saw demonstrators blocking roads and disrupting traffic, led to the arrest of about 42 individuals by the police. Barker-Vormawor’s absence has reportedly left many protesters confused and frustrated, as they expected him to lead them through the process.

    Meanwhile, the Democracy Hub protesters, now without their leader, are facing mounting pressure as law enforcement continues to crack down on their activities.

  • I’m not on the run, I have been engaging senior police officers – Barker-Vormawor

    I’m not on the run, I have been engaging senior police officers – Barker-Vormawor

    Convener of the Democracy Hub protest, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has rejected claims by the Ghana Police Service that he is in hiding and has been declared wanted.

    Labeling the allegations as “baseless and misleading,” Barker-Vormawor clarified that he has been in regular communication with senior police officers regarding his whereabouts and availability.

    His response follows a police announcement of a manhunt for him and others after several Democracy Hub protesters were arrested on Sunday, September 22, for alleged acts of lawlessness during their demonstration.

    The police claimed Barker-Vormawor was evading arrest, but in a Facebook post, he firmly denied avoiding law enforcement.

    He also criticized the police’s narrative, asserting his continued cooperation with authorities and disputing the necessity for a manhunt.

    “In light of these developments, I have instructed my lawyers to urgently engage with the Ghana Police Service to seek clarification on which specific police station or office they wish me to report to. My legal team stands ready to cooperate and will be in touch with the relevant authorities to ascertain the appropriate steps required,” he posted.

    “I remain committed to the rule of law and to addressing any issues raised by the Police in accordance with due process. I expect that this engagement will provide clarity and prevent any further attempts to distort the truth.”

  • I am not hiding – Barker-Vormawor to police

    I am not hiding – Barker-Vormawor to police

    The convener of the Democracy Hub protest, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has denied allegations that he is hiding and has been declared wanted by the police.

    He described these claims as “baseless and misleading.” On Sunday, September 22, multiple members of the Democracy Hub group were arrested during the protest.

    Following this, the police announced a manhunt for Barker-Vormawor and others accused of lawlessness during the demonstration.

    In a Facebook post, Barker-Vormawor stated that he has maintained “consistent communication with senior officers within the Police hierarchy regarding my whereabouts and availability.”

    He also mentioned that his “legal team is prepared to cooperate and will contact the relevant authorities to clarify the necessary steps.”

    “legal team stands ready to cooperate and will be in touch with the relevant authorities to ascertain the appropriate steps required.”

    Below is Barker-Vormawor’s statement.

    RE: FALSE CLAIMS OF A MANHUNT – CLARIFICATION AND NEXT STEPS

    It has come to my attention that the Ghana Police Service has issued press statements suggesting that they are on a manhunt for me, thereby creating the false impression that I am on the run. These claims are baseless and misleading, as I have been in consistent communication with senior officers within the Police hierarchy regarding my whereabouts and availability.

    In light of these developments, I have instructed my lawyers to urgently engage with the Ghana Police Service to seek clarification on which specific police station or office they wish me to report to. My legal team stands ready to cooperate and will be in touch with the relevant authorities to ascertain the appropriate steps required.

    I remain committed to the rule of law and to addressing any issues raised by the Police in accordance with due process. I expect that this engagement will provide clarity and prevent any further attempts to distort the truth.

  • I continue to see the charade – Barker-Vormawor fumes as court adjourns treason trial again

    I continue to see the charade – Barker-Vormawor fumes as court adjourns treason trial again

    The trial of #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, for treason has once again been postponed.

    Scheduled to commence on Monday morning, May 20, 2024, this trial has been delayed for over two years since the charges were filed against him.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested in February 2022 for a social media post that the state deemed treasonous.

    On April 29 of this year, Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers filed an application challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requested that the case be referred to the Supreme Court.

    During the court session on Monday, the judge was expected to rule on these issues to pave the way for a possible trial. However, it was revealed that the state had only responded to the application by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers that morning.

    In an interview with JoyNews at the courthouse after the adjournment, Barker-Vormawor expressed his frustration.

    Mr. Vormawor described the state’s posturing as a “charade” and questioned why it has failed to promptly respond to the application, delaying the long-awaited trial.

    “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.

    “If they, in fact, 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 type of democracy being practiced in Ghana and challenged the state to present evidence to commence the trial.

    The judge is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the offense and the issue of jurisdiction when the court reconvenes on May 27, paving the way for the trial to commence.

  • Akufo-Addo is a morally bereft short man! – Barker-Vormawor goes ‘wild’ over treason case

    Akufo-Addo is a morally bereft short man! – Barker-Vormawor goes ‘wild’ over treason case

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the #FixTheCountry convener, has directed insults at President Akufo-Addo regarding the treason trial he is facing after being charged 2 years ago.

    The trial was expected to address jurisdiction following a motion by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requesting the judge to refer the issue to the Supreme Court.

    However, the trial has been adjourned to May 20 this year.

    In preparation for Monday’s proceedings, Barker-Vormawor called on members of the #FixTheCountry movement to show support at court. Nevertheless, the trial did not proceed as planned due to the judge’s ongoing training programme.

    Ranting on social media ahead of today’s trial, Barker-Vormawor noted that he does not “want the Attorney-General to file any Nolle Prosequi in this matter” since “he has committed two years to it.”

    “I want them to continue the shambolic process they have set in motion. For everyone to see what a sham of a democracy this regime has made Ghana.

    “Your President is a morally bereft Short man with the ego of a child lacking growth hormones. No amount of treason trials will obscure the fact of his ineptitude or weak ego! I will be in Court today to answer “Not Guilty Your Dishonour,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested and charged after a social media post that police investigators claimed contained a clear intent to subvert Ghana’s constitution.

    He was detained on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom.

  • I will not allow AG discontinue treason case against me – Barker-Vormawor

    I will not allow AG discontinue treason case against me – Barker-Vormawor

    #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, says he will oppose any attempt by the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, to discontinue the treason trial brought up against him by the State 2 years ago.

    The court was expected to decide on jurisdiction following a motion by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requesting the Judge to refer the issue to the Supreme Court today, but the treason trial has been adjourned to May 20 this year.

    In anticipation of Monday’s proceedings, Barker-Vormawor rallied members of the #FixTheCountry movement to support him at court.

    However, the trial did not take place as scheduled because the sitting judge is currently undergoing a training programme.

    In a social media post ahead of today’s trial, Barker-Vormawor noted that he does not “want the Attorney-General to file any Nolle Prosequi in this matter” since “he has committed two years to it.”

    He added, “I want them to continue the shambolic process they have set in motion. For everyone to see what a sham of a democracy this regime has made Ghana.

    “Your President is a morally bereft Short man with the ego of a child lacking growth hormones. No amount of treason trials will obscure the fact of his ineptitude or weak ego! I will be in Court today to answer “Not Guilty Your Dishonour.”

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested and charged after a social media post that police investigators claimed contained a clear intent to subvert Ghana’s constitution.

    He was detained on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom.

  • Barker-Vormawor wants treason trial broadcast to the public

    Barker-Vormawor wants treason trial broadcast to the public

    #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, says he is contemplating applying for a live broadcast of the treason trial brought up against him by the State.

    He made this statement in a social media post while referencing the live broadcast of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill lawsuit proceedings.

    “I think my lawyers have to apply for Live Broadcast in this too. If the Supreme Court says the Gay Bill proceedings should be live for our people to consume; then surely the Treason of their democracy concerns them,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

    The proceedings of the two lawsuits filed by broadcast journalist Richard Dela Sky and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi, challenging the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as anti-LGBTQ+ Bill was broadcast after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, requested the Chief Justice to allow live coverage of the proceedings.

    He highlighted the considerable public interest in the anti-gay bill as the rationale for the request.

    The treason trial of #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been adjourned to May 20 this year.

    The court was expected to decide on jurisdiction following a motion by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requesting the Judge to refer the issue to the Supreme Court.

    In anticipation of Monday’s proceedings, Barker-Vormawor had rallied members of the #FixTheCountry movement to support him at court.

    However, the trial did not take place as scheduled because the sitting judge is currently undergoing a training programme.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested and charged after a social media post that police investigators claimed contained a clear intent to subvert Ghana’s constitution.

    He was detained on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom.

  • Your “short” President has the “ego of a child lacking growth hormones” – Vormawor to public

    Your “short” President has the “ego of a child lacking growth hormones” – Vormawor to public

    #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has rained insults at President Akufo-Addo over the treason trial brought up against him by the State.

    The court was expected to decide on jurisdiction following a motion by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requesting the Judge to refer the issue to the Supreme Court today, but the treason trial has been adjourned to May 20 this year.

    In anticipation of Monday’s proceedings, Barker-Vormawor rallied members of the #FixTheCountry movement to support him at court.

    However, the trial did not take place as scheduled because the sitting judge is currently undergoing a training programme.

    Ranting on social media ahead of today’s trial, Barker-Vormawor noted that he does not “want the Attorney-General to file any Nolle Prosequi in this matter” since “he has committed two years to it.”

    “I want them to continue the shambolic process they have set in motion. For everyone to see what a sham of a democracy this regime has made Ghana.

    “Your President is a morally bereft Short man with the ego of a child lacking growth hormones. No amount of treason trials will obscure the fact of his ineptitude or weak ego! I will be in Court today to answer “Not Guilty Your Dishonour,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested and charged after a social media post that police investigators claimed contained a clear intent to subvert Ghana’s constitution.

    He was detained on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom.

  • Court adjourns treason-felony case involving Barker-Vormawor to May 20

    Court adjourns treason-felony case involving Barker-Vormawor to May 20

    The treason trial of #FixTheCountry convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been adjourned to May 20 this year.

    The court was expected to decide on jurisdiction following a motion by Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers challenging the constitutionality of the offence and requesting the Judge to refer the issue to the Supreme Court.

    In anticipation of Monday’s proceedings, Barker-Vormawor had rallied members of the #FixTheCountry movement to support him at court.

    However, the trial did not take place as scheduled because the sitting judge is currently undergoing a training programme.

    Barker-Vormawor was arrested and charged after a social media post that police investigators claimed contained a clear intent to subvert Ghana’s constitution.

    He was detained on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom.

    The case has been adjourned to May 20, 2024, for a determination on the court’s jurisdiction and further proceedings.

  • Oppong-Nkrumah would have been my choice for running mate if I were Bawumia – Barker-Vormawor

    Oppong-Nkrumah would have been my choice for running mate if I were Bawumia – Barker-Vormawor

    Private legal practitioner and activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has weighed in on the selection of a running mate for New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, offering his perspective on the matter.

    In his assessment, Barker-Vormawor suggested that if he were in Dr. Bawumia’s position, he would consider appointing the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, as his running mate for the upcoming general elections.

    He indicated a desire to steer clear of individuals who have been publicly discussed as potential candidates, prioritizing personal peace of mind in the decision-making process.

    Mr Barker-Vormawor highlighted Oppong Nkrumah’s stature in the country and political achievements as factors that make him a suitable candidate for the role.

    “If I were Bawumia, I would choose Konkrumah [Oppong Nkrumah] as my running mate. Stay as far away as possible from the other names,” he posted on his X page.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia is currently in the process of selecting his running mate to join him on the NPP ticket for the 2024 general elections.

    Speculation abounds regarding potential contenders for the role, including Minister of Energy, Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Opare; and Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, among others.

    As the election draws nearer, the decision on Dr. Bawumia’s running mate remains pending.

    Read the tweet below:

  • “Stop DNA tests! Women deserve better” – Barker-Vormawor tells men

    “Stop DNA tests! Women deserve better” – Barker-Vormawor tells men

    Lawyer and Convener of the Fix The Country Movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has called for an end to DNA tests, stating that women deserve better treatment from men.

    His statement comes amidst a wave of men on social media claiming to have been taking care of children who are not biologically theirs.

    Barker-Vormawor in a post on X emphasized the need for men to treat women with respect and dignity, rather than resorting to DNA tests to verify paternity.

    He argued that such actions undermine the trust and respect in relationships and called for a change in mindset towards women.

    “Stop DNA tests! Women deserve better,” he wrote.

    The call by Barker-Vormawor has sparked a debate on social media, with some supporting his stance, while others argue that DNA tests are necessary to ensure transparency and honesty in relationships.

    The issue of paternity testing and its implications on relationships is a complex and sensitive topic, with varying opinions on the matter.

    Barker-Vormawor’s statement adds to the ongoing discourse on gender relations and the importance of trust and respect in relationships.

  • Bongo Ideas was arrested twice by the Police – Barker-Vormawor alleges

    Bongo Ideas was arrested twice by the Police – Barker-Vormawor alleges

    Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a prominent activist and leader of the #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements, has detailed the alleged arrest of Albert Nat Hyde, also known as Bongo Ideas.

    Reports surfaced last Friday indicating that Bongo Ideas had been detained by security agencies. Barker-Vormawor, convener of Fix The Country, suggested that his arrest was linked to recent information released by Bongo Ideas regarding President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    According to Barker-Vormawor, Bongo Ideas’ family searched various police stations in Accra but could not locate him.

    Subsequent reports indicated that Bongo Ideas had returned home. On March 16, Barker-Vormawor disclosed that Bongo Ideas had been arrested for the second time.

    In a Facebook post, he outlined the alleged circumstances of the police’s apprehension of the controversial socialite.

    According to him, over 10 individuals in two vehicles and motorbikes who claimed to have been sent by IGP came to pick up Bongo Ideas.

    He said the family insisted they wouldn’t let him be taken again without them.

    “The Police eventually agreed for the family to join, only to drop them off at around the Tesano Police Station; seized their phones and told them to go and make a report at the Tesano Police station,” Mr Vormawor recounted.

    He then went the Police Headquarters with Bongo Ideas’ family.

    “The police insist they didn’t bring them there. They went to Cantonment Police Station to lodge a complaint about his abduction. The Police refused to take the complaint.”

    In a subsequent post, Vormawor noted that “his Family got the call that he was being driven home at around midnight. At that time, the family were on their way to National Security after visiting the Cantonment Police Station; National Police Headquarters and the Regional Police Headquarters.”

    But the Ghana Police Service and Ministry of National Security have denied claims of arresting socialite, Albert Nat Hyde also known as Bongo Ideas. After its attention was drawn to the issue, the Police say they have “contacted a relative who has confirmed that Bongo Ideas is at home”.

    In response, Mr Vormawor said the Police claim now to be investigating the circumstances under which unidentified individuals, presenting themselves as acting under the color of law enforcement, came to break in and pick up Albert the first time in the presence of his family.

    According to him, Albert had already filed a “formal police complaint about the events of the previous night; and the Police were aware of his complaint well before they released their statement yesterday, claiming that he was home and had not been arrested by them.”

    It is believed that Bongo Ideas is currently home.

    “While I have received an account from the Family and Albert himself of exactly what happened to him, I will refrain from discussing it publicly as it is a matter of live police investigation. There are a lot of things that need unraveling; and I am sure Albert himself will addresss what happened to him. My understanding however is that, at this time, his devices were confiscated from him, (phones and computer) and he has no access to his social media accounts.

    “I do hope that the Police are able to get to the bottom of this; and that Albert’s account of what happened to him are thoroughly investigated,” he added.

  • Get to the bottom of Bongo Ideas’ kidnapping – Barker-Vormawor tells Police

    Get to the bottom of Bongo Ideas’ kidnapping – Barker-Vormawor tells Police

    Renowned activist and leader of the #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has asked the Police Service to thoroughly investigate the alleged kidnapping of Albert Nat Hyde, also known as Bongo Ideas.

    “I do hope that the Police are able to get to the bottom of this; and that Albert’s account of what happened to him are thoroughly investigated,” he wrote in a social media post.

    Reports emerged last Friday of Bongo Ideas being apprehended by security agencies. Oliver Barker-Vormawor, convener of Fix The Country, linked his arrest to recent information released by Bongo Ideas concerning President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    Allegedly, Bongo Ideas‘ family searched through all police stations in Accra but could not locate him.

    Mr Vormawor has provided an update on the alleged kidnapping of Albert Nat Hyde, also known as Bongo Ideas.

    According to Barker-Vormawor, when Bongo Ideas was initially picked up forcefully, the family insisted they would not let him be taken again without them.

    In a post on Facebook, he said the police eventually agreed to allow the family to join, only to drop them off around the Tesano Police Station.

    They “seized their phones, and told them to go and make a report at the Tesano Police station,” he said.

    He noted that “the police claim now to be investigating the circumstances under which unidentified individuals, presenting themselves as acting under the color of law enforcement, came to break in and pick up Albert the first time in the presence of his family.”

    Mr Vormawor disclosed that Albert had already filed a formal police complaint about the events of the previous night, and the police were aware of his complaint well before they released their statement.

    “While I have received an account from the Family and Albert himself of exactly what happened to him, I will refrain from discussing it publicly as it is a matter of live police investigation. There are a lot of things that need unraveling; and I am sure Albert himself will addresss what happened to him. My understanding however is that, at this time, his devices were confiscated from him, (phones and computer) and he has no access to his social media accounts.

    However, both the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of National Security have refuted claims of arresting Bongo Ideas.

    Following these reports, the police stated that they have “contacted a relative who has confirmed that Bongo Ideas is at home.”

  • You picked up Bongo Ideas but are now playing innocent – Barker-Vormawor to Police

    You picked up Bongo Ideas but are now playing innocent – Barker-Vormawor to Police

    Renowned activist and leader of the #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has provided an update on the alleged kidnapping of Albert Nat Hyde, also known as Bongo Ideas.

    Reports emerged last Friday of Bongo Ideas being apprehended by security agencies. Oliver Barker-Vormawor, convener of Fix The Country, linked his arrest to recent information released by Bongo Ideas concerning President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    Allegedly, Bongo Ideas‘ family searched through all police stations in Accra but could not locate him.

    According to Barker-Vormawor, when Bongo Ideas was initially picked up forcefully, the family insisted they would not let him be taken again without them.

    In a post on Facebook, he said the police eventually agreed to allow the family to join, only to drop them off around the Tesano Police Station.

    They “seized their phones, and told them to go and make a report at the Tesano Police station,” he said.

    He noted that “the police claim now to be investigating the circumstances under which unidentified individuals, presenting themselves as acting under the color of law enforcement, came to break in and pick up Albert the first time in the presence of his family.”

    Mr Vormawor disclosed that Albert had already filed a formal police complaint about the events of the previous night, and the police were aware of his complaint well before they released their statement.

    “While I have received an account from the Family and Albert himself of exactly what happened to him, I will refrain from discussing it publicly as it is a matter of live police investigation. There are a lot of things that need unraveling; and I am sure Albert himself will addresss what happened to him. My understanding however is that, at this time, his devices were confiscated from him, (phones and computer) and he has no access to his social media accounts.

    “I do hope that the Police are able to get to the bottom of this; and that Albert’s account of what happened to him are thoroughly investigated,” he added.

    However, both the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of National Security have refuted claims of arresting Bongo Ideas.

    Following these reports, the police stated that they have “contacted a relative who has confirmed that Bongo Ideas is at home.”

  • “Shameful Republic!” – Barker-Vormawor slams Ghanaians for antagonizing ‘incorruptible’ Anas

    “Shameful Republic!” – Barker-Vormawor slams Ghanaians for antagonizing ‘incorruptible’ Anas

    Reflecting on the state of Ghana’s democracy, renowned activist and leader of the #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements, Oliver Barker-Vormawor has highlighted the pervasive frustration experienced by citizens who seek to contribute positively to their country’s progress. 

    The sentiment arises amidst the controversy surrounding investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and the challenges he faces in seeking justice.

    Taking to the X platform, Barker-Vormawor expressed profound distress over the situation, lamenting the irony of citizens striving to improve democracy while encountering resistance from the very institutions meant to uphold it. 

    He underscored the disheartening reality of facing trial for advocating for a better Ghana, juxtaposed with the expectation of justice.

    “The most distressing thing about this Anas situation is that, you as a citizen will wake up everyday thinking about how you can do your part to help advance our democracy; and make it better for all its citizen. Then some Judge will be sitting there angry that you do your bit to help improve our country. So that even when you have come seeking justice, they decide to put you on trial instead I see this everyday!

    “People who decide to get angry because why do you demand better? Why do you bother about doing something about our situation? Who elected you to ask questions? Why did you want a more accountable Ghana,” he added. 

    The Ghanaian activist raised questions about the hostile reception faced by those who dare to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders.

     He criticized the tendency to vilify individuals who challenge the status quo, questioning why citizens are discouraged from seeking a more accountable nation.

    Barker-Vormawor bemoaned the absence of recognition for non-political heroes in Ghana, contrasting the adulation reserved solely for politicians with the demonization of other changemakers.

     He questioned whether another figure like  investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas would emerge given the harsh treatment and lack of reward for his efforts.

    The activist highlighted Anas’ sacrifices in exposing corruption and holding elected officials accountable, only to be met with accusations and condemnation.

    “This is the tragedy of believing in the possibility of Ghana. Because those who stand to benefit from our fight, are the loudest in applauding their oppression! How it is possible for a person to live with so much misery all around us, and not be in constant rage; is a thing of mystery to me.

    “With all that happens in this Country and what Anas has done, he comes to court for justice and you tell around and call him a murderer? We have no heroes in this county except politicians. Every other person we demonize! You think another Anas will rise from this ashes? For what recompense? For what reward?,” he added.

    He denounced the labeling of Anas as a murderer in the face of his pursuit of justice, branding it as a shameful reflection on the Republic.

    “Anas has given up his way of life, so we can hold our elected officials accountable; and for this, he is the devil! Shameful Republic!,” he added.

  • Bongo Ideas ‘missing’; allegedly picked up by National Security – Netizens react

    Bongo Ideas ‘missing’; allegedly picked up by National Security – Netizens react

    Blogger known for his controversial viewpoints, Albert Nat Hyde, widely known as Bongo Ideas  has reportedly gone missing, sparking concerns among his followers and activists.

    According to social media reports, Bongo Ideas was allegedly arrested by unidentified police officers early Friday morning, with no information provided about his location or the reason for his arrest.

    Despite efforts by his family to locate him by checking various police stations, Bongo Ideas’ whereabouts remain unknown.

    The situation has gained attention from Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the Convenor for the #FixTheCountry movement, who has linked Bongo Ideas’ disappearance to his recent criticisms of First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    Bongo Ideas had made contentious remarks about President Akufo-Addo’s marriage to Rebecca Akufo-Addo, leading to speculations about a possible connection between his comments and his alleged abduction.

    Barker-Vormawor expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values and condemning any misuse of state power to silence dissenting voices.

    He stated, “Even if Bongo Ideas had been insulting me for 30 years, I will still show up and advocate for him if the State abducts him at night for talking uncharitably about the First Lady.”

    The situation continues to unfold as supporters and activists demand answers regarding Bongo Ideas’ disappearance and call for respect for freedom of expression and due process.

    See tweet below:

  • We have been running and vomiting after eating Marwako food – Barker-Vormawor

    We have been running and vomiting after eating Marwako food – Barker-Vormawor

    Leader of the #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has accused the Abelemkpe Branch of Marwako Restaurant of selling contaminated food to him over the weekend.

    In a post on X platform on Sunday, March 10, Oliver Barker-Vormawor noted he and his family who took a 1-liter watermelon juice he bought from the restaurant suffered from running stools.

    He noted that the family had been throwing up as well.

    “My household’s vomitting and running this weekend was proudly sponsored by Marwako Abelemkpe Branch. 1 litre Water Melon Juice don do me dirty!” he wrote.

    Other X users who reacted to his post corroborated facing similar symptoms after purchasing food from the eatery.

    “Then Marwako do me dirty too eiiiii. Last week no bi small running and vomitting,” @abbeyemmanuelgh wrote.

    This is not the first time Marwako Restaurant has been accused of food poisoning.

    In May 2022, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) closed down Marwako Restaurant’s East Legon branch, after some customers reported food poisoning.

    Multiple Twitter users, including one Edward Elohim, reported the same symptoms after visiting the eatery. Edward Elohim said that he is one of 70 patients being treated at Nyaho Clinic following a meal at Marwako.

    For this reason, some users expressed shock over the fact that Mr Barker-Vormawor continued to patronise the services of the restaurant.

    “Ah Bossu after we all decided to boycott Marwako you still went ahead to put your family’s health at risk,” @Deborah_Scombel wrote.

  • “My dumsor is better than your dumsor” – Barker-Vormawor mocks NDC, NPP

    “My dumsor is better than your dumsor” – Barker-Vormawor mocks NDC, NPP

    In a satirical take on the ongoing power crisis in Ghana, activist and convener of the FixTheCountry movement, Barker-Vormawor, has humorously jabbed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    In a post on X platform he wrote, “ Ready! Set! Go! ‘My Dumsor is better than your Dumsor”.

    Both the NPP and the NDC have been apportioning blame on each other regarding the current state of the country’s energy sector.

    Parts of Accra and other regions have been grappling with inconsistent power outages for several weeks commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’.

    Former president, John Dramani Mahama has asserted that he assumed responsibility for resolving the power crisis that gripped the nation before his taking a bow in 2016.

     Mahama has emphasized that his leadership merits recognition for putting an end to the intermittent power outages.

    In an interview with Ugandan-based NBS television, Mahama acknowledged the existence of intermittent power outages and stressed that he took accountability for addressing the challenge.

     He highlighted that relying solely on the Akosombo Dam was not a perpetual solution to resolve ‘dumsor.’

    Mahama clarified that he refrained from assigning blame to past administrations for the crisis but, instead, embraced the responsibility of rectifying the power dilemma. 

    He expressed, “What did I do? I took responsibility. I didn’t blame previous governments. I said yes you call me ‘Mr. Dumsor’…I inherited this problem but I take responsibility because you voted me into power to take responsibility and fix things and so I said I’m going to fix this and by 2015 I had added an additional almost 3,000 megawatts to Ghana’s generation.”

    “I was actually accused of putting in an excess generation…more generation than we needed. We are consuming 2,600 megawatts. Today we are consuming 1000 megawatts more and so if I didn’t put in that excess generation we probably would have started having an energy crisis again and it’s beginning to happen.

    “Outages every day because the consumption has caught up the amount of energy that is available and we are beginning to have problems,” he added.

    On the other hand, president Akufo-Addo has  emphasized his achievements in ensuring a consistent power supply for Ghanaians, countering recent outages affecting parts of the country.

    During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, 2024, the President dismissed claims of intermittent power supply amid the financial crisis, asserting that the country has not experienced the phenomenon known as DUMSOR over the past seven years.

    “Mr Speaker, between 2012 and early 2017, there was nothing more demoralising than the phenomenon we called DUMSOR. It was symptomatic of a dysfunctional system, and it caused widespread depression amongst businesses and households.

    After that experience, my government was determined that DUMSOR would not be inflicted upon Ghana and Ghanaians under an NPP government, and I am glad to be able to say, SO FAR, SO GOOD, we have managed to keep the lights on these last seven (7) years, even in the midst of a financial crisis.  We have managed the energy sector with discipline and expertise, to avoid a repetition of the hardships inflicted on Ghanaians some years ago.”

    Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Dubik Mahama has pointed out that the intermittent power outages are due maintenance issues rather than fuel-related problems as reported.

    He revealed that much can not be done when a power plant producing 360 megawatts begins to develop problems with its gas emergency safety valve.

    Mr. Mahama assured that ECG is working diligently to resolve the challenges and restore power to affected areas.

  • EC discontinues court case against Barker-Vormawor

    EC discontinues court case against Barker-Vormawor

    The Electoral Commission has withdrawn its suit against FixTheCountry movement convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the Chief Justice, and the Attorney General at the apex court to stop the ongoing impeachment process on her removal and her deputies over their handling of the SALL issue.

    In January this year, the group, #FixTheCountry Movement submitted a petition signed by the convener, Oliver Barker, to President Akufo-Addo invoking the constitutional procedure for the removal of the EC Chair and her deputies over their handling of the SALL issue.

    In their petition, the group contended that the EC Chair and her deputies, per their conduct, intentionally denied the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, and Likpe (SALL) the right to vote in the 2020 elections.

    They, therefore, held in light of the above that the conduct of the EC bosses meets the threshold of stated misbehavior and or incompetence as defined under Article 146 of the Constitution 1992 and thus should be removed.

    However, in the back of the petition, the EC boss, Jean Mensa, and her 2 deputies, filed a suit against Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the Chief Justice, and the Attorney General at the apex court to stop the ongoing impeachment process.

    Per recent reports from Oliver Barker-Vormawor, his “lawyers informed me that Jean Mensa and other EC officials have finally discontinued their case at the Supreme Court against me.”

    In a post on X, Tuesday, February 20, he expressed his appreciation to Samuel Alesu-Dordzi and the entire AudreyGrey law firm for picking up this matter pro-bono at great cost to them.

    Mr Barker-Vormawor also reminded the government that “SALL still has no representation in Parliament.”

    SALL representation

    The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, in November 2023, said there may be either the revocation of the creation of the Guan District or an annulment of the 2020 Parliamentary General Election for the Buem constituency if residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi, also known as SALL, desire representation in the current Parliament.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) presented to Parliament a constitutional instrument seeking to create the Guan constituency, offering residents of SALL the opportunity to elect a Member of Parliament in the 2024 general elections.

    Responding to questions on the floor of Parliament regarding the government’s legal position on the plight of SALL residents, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame provided alternative steps toward the election of a representative by SALL residents in the 8th Parliament.

    “Alternatively, the representation of the people of SALL in this term of Parliament is desired, and the way to go is to do the two things that are prescribed. Respectfully, one, there must be a revocation of LI 2416 establishing the Guan district, which will imply that the residents of SALL will remain under the Jasikan District. Or two, there must be an annulment of the 2020 Parliamentary elections organized for the Buem constituency to allow residents of the four SALL communities to qualify to exercise their rights to vote and elect a Member of Parliament to represent them, since CI 128 used for the conduct of the 2020 Parliamentary elections had already placed the SALL areas within the Buem constituency.”

  • Court dismisses Kan Dapaah’s motion for GHC10m default judgement against Barker-Vormawor

    Court dismisses Kan Dapaah’s motion for GHC10m default judgement against Barker-Vormawor

    The High Court in Accra has rejected an application for a default judgment filed by National Security Minister Kan Dapaah against Fix the Country convener Oliver Barker-Vormawor.

    The defamation suit was based on Barker-Vormawor’s comments alleging that the minister attempted to bribe him to stop his activism.

    Mr Kan Dapaah’s lawyers sought a judgment in their favor due to the defendant’s failure to file a defense. The NPP politician sought damages to the tune of GHS10 million and an apology from Olive Barker Vormawor for the alleged defamatory statements.

    However, the court instructed the withdrawal of the application, giving Barker-Vormawor two weeks to file his statement of defense.

    The case is adjourned to December 14.