"Off! Sir, sir, no, no! off!” Oliver Barker–Vormawor, convenor of the #Fixthecountry Movement, attempted to enter the docket while waving a Ghanaian flag over his shoulders when the judge shook her finger.
"Sir, fold it and place it down." You can wear it around your neck outside. She said, "Here, no," which set a firm tone for the hearing.
On the judge's right side stood a much larger Ghana flag. It appeared that was the only flag permitted in court.
The judge's permed hair had a small parting through the right side of her head, and she seemed to not let the overwhelming work of justice stop her from looking fashionable. Then, acrylic fingernails painted red that with a light touch moved her glasses into place.
Justice Akua Yanzu presided over a case to begin Oliver Barker-Vormawor's treason trial, surrounded by the coat of arms' "Freedom and Justice" motto.
Oliver was seen engaging in boisterous palm slapping with a prisons officer prior to the case, who was displaying seven accused individuals in handcuffs.
Oliver seemed familiar to the officer. Additionally, if the state has its way, it would like Oliver and the officer to get to know each other a little better inside the prison walls.
Oliver, according to the state, intends to overthrow the Republic. The state believes that his love of phrases like "coup" is part of a plan to shake up the executive.
The judge would decide whether the prosecution's case is sound or absurd. However, Oliver's attorney asks the judge to quickly determine whether this case is even necessary.
He has requested that the Ashaiman District Court's August committal proceedings be thrown out.
The accused's attorney, Justice Srem Sai, criticized the Ashaiman District Court judge's decision, arguing that Mrs. Eleanor Kakra Barnes-Botchway should have written Oliver's closing statement down on the day of her judgment.
According to the attorney, the judge did not accurately record Oliver's speech as required by law. She only took notes, which is not sufficient.
The attorney has filed an application with the High Court to overturn that decision because she wants it reviewed again.
Additionally, the state has submitted its morning response to the application. On October 21, Srem Sai's application will be heard.
For her court, the judge had a few rules. "Fast, fast, fast" must be the order of the day.
“Go straight to the point if you are moving an application,” a rule that would not bode well for Oliver as an orator.
She appeared to have read the memo about Oliver's speeches in court, saying, "I will not allow you to move a motion for 30 minutes."
She promised, "I will not gag you."
The audience quickly left the court after she adjourned the case.
Background The hashtag that was led by the social media activist criticized the government for the harsh economic conditions in Ghana and the constitutional arrangements that benefit the political class at the expense of the average Ghanaian.
However, the state's response to his posts resulted in a restriction on his freedom.
Mr. Barker-Vormawor wrote on Facebook on February 10, 2022, "If this E-Levy passes, I will do the coup myself." Army of no use!”
His post came in response to images of an "E-levy" cake from the 65th birthday party of Majority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu that were shared on social media.
He was detained and later charged with treason felony upon his return to Ghana on February 11, 2022. He is currently fighting this charge in court. Some Ghanaians and his lawyers believe that his comment does not support the charge.
However, the state disagrees.
He was released on March 17, 2022, after spending more than a month in custody, but under conditions that prohibited him from traveling or possessing a passport.
The Ashaiman Magistrate Court then indicted him to stand trial.
