The convenor of the anti-galamsey protest organized by the Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has been denied bail for the third time by the Circuit Court. This decision follows the Attorney General’s Department’s opposition to his bail application.

This is not the first time Barker-Vormawor’s bail request has been rejected. Previously, the Accra High Court and Circuit Court had also denied him bail, marking three consecutive rejections since his arrest during the protest two weeks ago.

In a contrasting development, Fanny Otoo, another detainee who has been battling illness since her arrest, was granted bail in the sum of GHs20,000 with two sureties.

The case has been adjourned to October 14, 2024. Meanwhile, the State has filed an affidavit opposing bail applications for 20 other anti-galamsey detainees, citing lack of proper service despite court documents indicating service on October 2.

The judge directed that the protestors’ lawyers be properly served, adjourning the case to Wednesday, October 9, for further proceedings.

Barker-Vormawor’s arrest and subsequent bail denials have sparked concerns among activists and human rights advocates, highlighting tensions between protesters and authorities over the galamsey issue.