Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the convener of the Democracy Hub, has pleaded not guilty to an array of charges following his arrest during a three-day protest against government's handling of illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”

His arrest, alongside 45 other demonstrators, took place as they protested the environmental and social impact of illegal mining and the government's alleged inaction.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor, who missed his court hearing on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, due to illness, appeared before the court on Thursday, 26 September 2024, where he entered his not-guilty plea.

He is facing several charges, including conspiracy to commit unlawful assembly, unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, assault on a public officer, defacement of public property, and theft.

The protest, which drew attention to the worsening galamsey crisis, resulted in a heavy police crackdown, with all 45 other protesters remanded into police and prison custody for 14 days. A court decision on bail is pending.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor’s legal team has accused the police of mistreating the detained protesters, alleging that they have been denied access to legal counsel since their arrest.

 These allegations have intensified concerns over the treatment of activists and the ongoing crackdown on civil disobedience.