By Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the #FixTheCountry convener, once again sees his treason trial delayed.
The trial, anticipated to commence on Monday morning, May 20, 2024, has been postponed, marking over two years since the charges were levied against him.
Barker-Vormawor was apprehended in February 2022 following a social media post deemed treasonable by the state.
On April 29 this year, legal representatives for Barker-Vormawor filed an application contesting the constitutionality of the offense and urged the High Court in Accra to refer the case to the Supreme Court.
During Monday’s court session, the presiding judge was expected to deliver a ruling on these unresolved matters to pave the way for a potential trial. However, it transpired that the state only responded to Barker-Vormawor’s lawyers’ April 27 application earlier that morning.
In an interview with JoyNews at the courthouse following the adjournment, Barker-Vormawor expressed his frustration at the ongoing delays.
“You continue to see the charade and what has happened so far. For them who paraded over 50 armed individuals and snipers, for those who believed that we were a threat to this republic, for so long they have not been able to match those words with the evidence that is required in this trial “Mr Barker-Vormawor fumed.
The activist has been outspoken on social media regarding the perceived delay in starting the trial, drawing attention to what some suggest might be detrimental to his case.
Despite this, Barker-Vormawor maintains a different perspective. During his interview with JoyNews, he characterized the state’s actions as a “charade” and questioned why they hadn’t promptly addressed the application, thus prolonging the awaited trial.
“If they, in fact, believe that we were intending to overthrow this government then they should show up in court and prove that to the everyday Ghanaian “he argued.
He further questioned the type of democracy practiced in Ghana and challenged the state to present evidence to initiate the trial.
The judge is anticipated to make a ruling on the constitutionality of the offense and the matter of jurisdiction when the court reconvenes on May 27, potentially paving the way for the trial to proceed.
