State Prosecutors have filed their first batch of disclosures and processes in the case in which a leading member of the Democracy Hub Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 others have been charged with unlawful assembly among others.
Barker-Vormawor, who is been denied bail at the High Court has informed the Circuit Court through his lawyers that he would be filing a formal application to address the issues surrounding his bail.
In Court on Tuesday, fresh from being denied bail by the High Court, Counsel holding brief for Dr. Justice Srem Sai for Oliver Barker-Vormawor intended to move a repeat (oral) bail application.
He pointed to the High Court directives that the trial of Barker-Vormawor be started in 72 hours while the prosecution’s indications of filing more disclosures means the accused should be considered for bail.
However, the Court said it would be proper if such an application is filed formally to address the challenges in the law on Barker-Vormawor’s situation as someone who is facing charges in another court and same responded to by the Attorney General.
Counsel while in agreement with the court said, “we will come formally.”
Prosecution led by Nana Akosu Kusi, a State Attorney said she is opposed to Barker-Vormawor’s request for bail.
Meanwhile, Funny Otoo, the 9th Accused persons who is said to have been taken back to hospital had been granted bail.
His Honour Kwabena Obiri Yeboah admitted him to bail in the sum of GHc20, 000 with two sureties.
The High Court presided over by Justice Ayitey Armah-Tetteh admitted the other accused persons to bail on Monday, October 7.
They are Cedric Bansah, Michael Amofa, Emmanuel Offei, Nii Ayi, Fred Boateng, Deportee Iddrisu Yusif, Wendell Yeboah, Samuel Samakor, Nana Amo Mensah Prempeh and Thomas Yeboah.
Background
The brief facts of the case as presented to the Court were that the accused persons are part of a group of protesters.
And that on July 9, 2024, the Police Service received a notice from a group known as ‘Democracy Hub’ informing them of their intention to hold a protest dubbed “#Wetaya #ReoccupyJulorbihouse Demonstration.”
According to the Prosecution, by that letter, the group requested the police to provide them with security and protection for the intended demonstration.
The Prosecution stated that, the group indicated that they intended to protest at the Revolutionary Square, opposite the Jubilee House.
“After several meetings with the Police, the group was advised by the Police to propose an alternative venue as the chosen venue was considered a security zone and likely to affect public order and lead to violence or endanger public defence.
“By an order of the High Court dated 18th September, 2024, the group was prohibited from embarking on the intended demonstration at the Revolutionary square,” the prosecution stated.
It added that, “The Police thus communicated to the convener of the group and suggested 7 different locations to be used for the protest in the interest of public order.”
“The group however rejected the proposed venues and elected to protest at the 37 roundabout which was rejected by the Police.
“On 21st September, 2024 the group embarked on their protest and gathered around the 37-roundabout insisting to proceed to the revolutionary square.
“The Police mounted barricades around the 37 roundabouts in a bid to maintain security and order.
“The barricades restrained the demonstrators from proceeding to the Revolutionary square,” the Prosecution stated.
Serious traffic
It stated that, “The demonstration suddenly turned chaotic as the accused persons resorted to blocking the major roads with stones and vehicles delaying access at the roundabout.
“This caused serious traffic within the Liberation Road, the El walk stadium, the Kawukudi road and its environs.
“This caused significant traffic, delay, inconvenience and annoyance for commuters,” the facts stated.
Billboards
It is the case of the Prosecution that, the accused persons also “pulled down billboards and burnt electoral posters and flags of political parties.”
“Again, the suspects forcefully pushed down the police barricade that was used to secure the area obstructing the effort of the police to maintain peace and security.
“On 22nd September the accused persons again brought in vehicles to block the major roads.
“The police quickly moved in to remove the said vehicles for easy flow of traffic for commuters.
“The accused persons however fiercely resisted the attempt by the Police to tow away the vehicles,” the Prosecution stated.
“The 1st accused person in particular was seen forcefully entering the Police towing van and without authorization, turned off the engine and removed the ignition key to the towing van.
“This action demobilized the Police to tow away the vehicle that the accused persons had used to block the public roads.
The 1st accused person thereafter bolted with the key to the Police van,” the prosecution told the Court.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
