Democracy Hub convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been rushed to the Police Hospital today amid fears of his worsening condition.
This is the second time Barker-Vormawor’s health has deteriorated since his detention by the Ghana Police Service on September 23, 2024.
In a press statement, Democracy Hub shared 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.”
His recent health scare comes after repeated denials of bail, despite multiple appeals made to both the Accra High Court and Circuit Court for his release. On October 8, 2024, Barker-Vormawor’s third bail application was rejected, following opposition from the Attorney General’s Department. While the 52 other activists arrested alongside him were granted bail on October 9, he remains the only one still detained.
President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, expressed outrage at the continued detention. “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?” Cudjoe remarked in a Facebook post.
Barker-Vormawor first reported health issues on September 25, when he and another Democracy Hub demonstrator were taken to the Police Hospital after complaints of ill health. He was subsequently remanded for two weeks, during which his condition has further deteriorated.
Democracy Hub is urging the public to keep Barker-Vormawor in their thoughts and prayers as they monitor his situation closely. His legal team has voiced frustration over the continued denial of bail, and the group is calling on authorities to prioritize his health and act swiftly to secure his release.
