A GHANAIAN activist, Oliver Barker Vormawor, who led recent protests against illegal mining, has been denied bail despite reports of serious illness. Barker Vormawor, along with 11 others, was detained after organising a three-day demonstration in Accra to protest against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, and the government’s failure to curb the practice.
Appearing in court on Thursday, Vormawor pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawful assembly and assaulting a public officer. The Cambridge-educated activist, who has been held in police custody and treated at the police hospital for an undisclosed illness, is expected to remain in detention for two weeks before his next court appearance.
The fight against illegal mining
The protests, organised by a group called Democracy Hub, focused on the environmental impact of galamsey, which has been linked to severe pollution of 60 percent of Ghana’s water bodies. Analysts warn that if illegal mining continues unchecked, Ghana may need to start importing water by 2030.
The protest saw clashes between demonstrators and the police, who accused the group of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, and disrupting traffic in Accra. Several arrests were made during the demonstration, including that of a pregnant woman, Vera Lamptey, though the police have denied detaining her.
Public outcry and political response
The police response to the protests has sparked widespread criticism. Opposition leader and presidential candidate John Mahama condemned the authorities’ heavy-handed tactics, calling it an abuse of citizens’ rights to protest.
Ghana, the largest gold producer in Africa, has struggled for years to control illegal mining operations. In response to growing concerns over the environmental damage caused by galamsey, President Nana Akufo-Addo has deployed police and military forces to combat the issue. A similar crackdown in 2017, however, failed to produce long-term results.
As the nation prepares for its upcoming presidential election on December 7, illegal mining remains a hot-button issue. With President Akufo-Addo stepping down after completing his two terms, the next administration will inherit the challenge of addressing the ongoing environmental and political consequences of galamsey.
Oliver Barker Vormawor’s detention and denial of bail raise questions about freedom of protest and the government’s handling of the illegal mining crisis, which continues to be a critical issue for Ghana’s environment and its people.
