Court turns down Barker Vormawor Bail Request and Direct Prosecution to start full Trial

The Accra High Court has turned down a bail application by Oliver Barker Vormawor, a leading member of Democracy Hub, and directed that a full trial commence.

Barker Vormawor’s lead counsel, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, argued that his client was not a flight risk, had a known place of residence, and had consistently appeared in court for the past three years despite facing a treason felony charge.

He questioned why Barker Vormawor would abscond over a misdemeanour charge when he had remained available for a more serious offense.

“For a man who hasn’t run away on a charge of treason, how will he run away on a charge of misdemeanour?

“The ultimate question is whether he’ll present himself for trial. The overwhelming evidence will be that he has for the past 3 years been available for the charge of treason, he’ll make himself available for the current charges,” Dr Justice Srem Sai noted.

Despite there being no opposition from the prosecution—since the Attorney-General’s office was absent in court—the judge ruled against the bail application.

He expressed doubt about Barker Vormawor’s likelihood of returning to court, highlighting the ongoing treason trial.

The court ordered that the Circuit Court initiates the trial within 72 hours, with the possibility of bail being granted if the trial did not begin as directed.

Meanwhile, five other individuals, including Felicity Nelson, were granted bail of GH₵20,000 each.