Another set of nine persons including a teacher who is part of the 53 persons arrested at the Democracy Hub demonstration have also been granted bail by the Circuit Court in the sum of GHc20,000.
In addition to the bail sum, they are to produce a surety each while the prosecution is to file all processes and have the same served on the accused by the next Court sitting.
This follows a repeat (oral) application for bail after they made their second appearance after being remanded on September 24.
The nine are – Kingsley Asiedu, who operates a mobile phone and mobile money business, Seth Coffie, a farmer, Vera Gloria Louis, with a millennium excellent foundation as a field officer and Nii Quaye Hammond, a dispatch rider with a ride-hailing company.
The rest are – Dela Quarshie, a businessman & NSS personnel at Parliament, Manuel Barsar Biney, a businessman who operates shoe making business, Dorsese Joseph, a businessman, Agbevi Matthias, a teacher and Ernest Acheampong, a businessman in pure water distribution company.
They all pleaded not guilty to five counts of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, and assault on a public officer.
EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah reports that Prosecution opposed to bail a referred the Court to formal bail application pending at the High Court which was to be moved on Wednesday October 9.
But, the Court said Ann accused persons is presumed innocent until proven guilty and the Circuit Court has right to protect the fundamental human rights of the accused.
The Court presided over by His Honour Kwabena Obiri Yeboah has adjourned the case to October 8.
Brief facts
It is the case of the prosecution that The accused persons are part of a group of protesters.
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.”
It stated that, by that letter, the group requested the police to provide them with security and protection for the intended demonstration.
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 1gth September, 2024, the group was prohibited from embarking on the intended demonstration at the Revolutionary square.
“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 Prosecution narrated.
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.
It stated that, 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 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 Wak stadium, the Kawukudi road and its environs,” the Prosecution informed the Court.
This caused significant traffic, delay, inconvenience and annoyance for commuters. 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.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
