Lawyers of the the over 50 Democracy Hub protesters including Leading members of the Democracy Hub, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor, Felicity Nelson, and Elorm Ababio Esq also known as Ama Governor have indicated they would be appealing the decisions of the Circuit Court to remand their clients.
So far 54 were arrested but 53 have appeared in Court and have been remanded. One other was absent and the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Prosecution while opposing bail raised the point that, Barker-Vormawor a subject matter of treason felony at the High Court and on bail, has involved himself in another offense and that should he be admitted to bail, he could do more of such act.
While Oliver Barker-Vormawor pleaded not guilty to eight counts including stealing, 11 others including Felicity Nelson denied wrongdoing for six charges.
Fanny Otoo, was absent from Court while one other Benjamin Akuffo Darko, one of the leading members of the protesters was also charged and remanded.
The charges ranges from conspiracy, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct to the breach of peace, defacement of public notice and stealing.
The 12 accused persons who weee arraigned together with Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor (A1) are Cedric Bansah (A2), Michael Amofa (A3), Emmanuel Ofei, (A4), Nii Ayi , (A5), Fred Boateng, (A6), and Deportee Iddrisu Yusif (A7).
The rest are – Wendele (A8), Fanny Otoo (A9), absent, Samuel Samakor, (A10), Felicity Nelson, (A11), Nana Amoh Mensah Prempeh (A12) and Thomas Yeboah (A13).
His Honour Mr Kwabena Obiri Yeboah while declining bail directed the Police to ensure that the accused persons are fed twice, daily and have proper health care.
The Court has also directed the Prosecution to file their disclosures and necessary processes before the next Court.
Brief facts
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 state 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/Murtala Inusah
