Oliver Barker-Vormawor charged with treason felony, denied bail

The Ashaiman District Court has charged a lead convener of the #FixTheCountry Movement, Oliver Mawuse Baker Vormawor with treason felony.

His lawyers argued in court on Monday, February 14, 2022, that the continuous detention of their client amounts to gross violation of his fundamental human right. Mr. Barker-Vormawor was arrested on Friday, February 11, 2022.

However, the presiding judge, Her Ladyship Eleanor Kakra Barnes-Botchway, denied the defense’ bail following the prosecution’s assertions that the court lacked jurisdiction to grant bail, considering the gravity of the offense.

He is to reappear in court on February 28, 2022.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor was picked up on Friday, February 11, 2022 for a social media post stating that he will stage a coup if the controversial e-levy bill is passed.

A statement from the Ghana Police Service said, “the post contained a clear statement of intent with a possible will to execute a coup in his declaration of intent to subvert the constitution of the Republic.”

“We continue to call on the good people of Ghana to avoid making pronouncements that may lead to a breach of the peace of the country, as any such acts contravene the laws of the country,” the statement added.

Members of the Movement say he has been on hunger strike since his detainment and all attempts to get him to eat have been unsuccessful.

The hunger strike, according to the movement is in protest of what the convener considers to be the government’s suppression of freedoms.

Earlier, the group alleged that the lead convener had been abducted by security officials after he was picked up by the Police at the Kotoka International Airport last Friday.

The Police subsequently debunked reports that he had gone missing and took responsibility for his arrest.