Civil society groups have strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of Oliver Barker Vormawor, a prominent political activist and co-founder of the #FixTheCountry movement, and dozens of others following protests against illegal mining, known as “galamsey.”
His detention has sparked widespread criticism from human rights organizations and activists, who view it as a growing crackdown on dissent and a troubling sign for Ghana’s democratic standing.
Barker Vormawor, along with dozens of other protesters, was arrested during a demonstration in Accra aimed at pressuring the government to take action against illegal mining operations that have devastated the country’s water bodies and environment.
Protesters also voiced frustrations over Ghana’s worsening economic conditions and widespread government corruption. His detention has raised serious concerns about the government’s approach to suppressing peaceful protests and fundamental rights.
Widespread Condemnation from Civil Society
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), including the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Katutu Civil Rights Center, has decried the unlawful arrest, reflecting a broader pattern of state suppression of peaceful assembly and free speech.
The Katutu Civil Rights Center emphasized that protesting environmental destruction is a legitimate right and necessary for protecting the future of Ghanaian youth.
CSOs have highlighted several constitutional rights violations in the handling of the protests, including the manhandling of demonstrators, denial of legal counsel, and unlawful detention of bystanders. CDD-Ghana has condemned these actions, pointing to multiple breaches of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, including the failure to bring detainees before a court within 48 hours and the unauthorized transfer of detainees to prison without court approval.
Calls for Immediate Release and Accountability
Civil society groups have united in demanding the immediate release of Oliver Barker Vormawor and other detained protesters. In a joint statement endorsed by 34 CSOs, including the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and STAR Ghana Foundation, the groups expressed grave concern over the shrinking civic space in Ghana.
The statement highlighted that CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organizations, had recently downgraded Ghana’s civic space status to “Obstructed” due to increased attacks on peaceful protests and free expression.
“These actions represent a grave violation of human rights and further deteriorate Ghana’s standing as a democratic state,” the statement read, calling on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to swiftly address these violations and restore confidence in the government’s commitment to protecting human rights.
Erosion of Democracy and Civil Liberties
Ghana, once hailed as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, has faced growing international criticism for its declining human rights record. The World Press Freedom Index and CIVICUS reports have pointed to mounting concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in the country, with increased pressure on activists and journalists.
The arrest and continued detention of peaceful protesters, such as Barker Vormawor, is now seen as symptomatic of a broader crackdown on dissent, raising fears about the future of free expression in Ghana.
A Critical Moment for Ghana’s Democracy
As the country approaches national elections, the arrest of Barker Vormawor and other activists could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s democratic reputation. Civil society groups have warned that any regression in democratic norms could be costly for the nation’s political future, urging the government to reaffirm its commitment to freedom of assembly and expression.
The arrest of Oliver Barker Vormawor has become a litmus test for Ghana’s democracy. How the government handles this issue will not only affect its standing as a democratic leader in West Africa but also set the tone for the upcoming elections. Civil society organizations continue to press for justice, calling on the authorities to respect the rule of law and the fundamental rights of all citizens.