News
Oliver Vormawor denied bail; Felicity Nelson, four others granted GH₵20k bail
The High Court has refused to grant bail to Oliver Barker Vormawor, a lead figure in the Democracy Hub protest while granting GH₵20,000 bail to Felicity Nelson and four other co-accused.
The court’s ruling also directed the Circuit Court to begin prosecution within 72 hours, warning that failure to do so could result in reconsideration of Vormawor’s bail.
The denial of bail for Barker Vormawor stems from his prior release on bail for treason felony charges when the Democracy Hub protest-related offences allegedly occurred.
The presiding judge voiced concerns that releasing him on bail might lead to further offences, citing the Criminal Procedure Act, section 96(5c), which allows courts to deny bail if there is a reasonable fear that the accused will commit another crime.
Barker Vormawor’s legal representative, Justice Srem Sai, argued that the court’s primary concern should be whether the accused would stand trial if granted bail, highlighting Vormawor’s consistent court appearances over the past three years in his treason case.
Srem Sai argued that his client would not evade trial for the comparatively lesser misdemeanours in the current case.
Despite these points, the court stood by its decision, maintaining that the risk of potential re-offending justified denying Vormawor’s bail request.
Meanwhile, Felicity Nelson and four other individuals involved in the same case were granted bail under less restrictive conditions.
The court’s decision comes after Ama Governor and eight other protesters were each granted GH₵70000 bail.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
New BoG governor can’t engage in official duties – Afenyo-Markin to Mahama
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin has raised concerns over the assumption of official duties by Dr. Johnson Asiamah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The former Deputy Governor was recently nominated by President John Dramani, on January 31, 2025, to serve as Governor, pending approval by the Council of State.
This follows a formal request by the current Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, to proceed on leave ahead of his retirement on March 31, 2025.
However, in a letter to President Mahama dated February 4, Minority Leader raised serious concerns with Dr. Asiamah’s assumption of office in the absence of the Council of State.
“Your Excellency, it is my considered view that Dr. Johnson Asiamah should refrain from engaging in official duties at the Bank of Ghana until his nomination has been duly approved by the Council of State. While awaiting confirmation, he can seek any necessary briefings outside the formal assumption of office,” the letter noted.
He added, “I trust that due attention will be given to this matter to uphold the integrity of our institutional processes.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Read full statement below
News
Bagbin lifts suspension of four MPs
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has lifted the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs) who were suspended after a clash during the vetting session on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The altercation occurred between Minority and Majority MPs, escalating tensions in Parliament. The disagreement reached a peak after the suspension of the four MPs, triggering a debate over whether the vetting should proceed on January 31, 2025.
Following the suspension, the Minority MPs walked out, leaving only the Majority to continue with the vetting of nominees, including that of MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who had already undergone several hours of questioning by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The lifting of the suspension comes after a review of the incident. The four MPs – Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Jerry Ahmed Shaib and Alhassan Tampuli – are now expected to resume their parliamentary duties as normal. The move seeks to restore order in Parliament following the disruptions.
This was after both the majority leader and minority leader appealed to the Speaker of Parliament to lift the ban on the four MPs.
Alban Bagbin said, “So I have lifted the suspension order. I do so instantly and takes effect immediately. The affected Hon. Members are permitted now to enter the precincts of the house. I must say they actually complied with the orders.”
He assured that the investigations will continue, and the House will have the opportunity to make a decision.
He commended the security agencies for their support.
Source : Citinewsroom.com
