Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a social activist on trial for treason, was exonerated and released by the Accra High Court.
Barker-Vormawor was charged with treason felony in 2022 after being detained by National Security agents for threatening a coup if Parliament approved the then-controversial E-Levy bill, which was later signed into law.
His arrest and prosecution sparked widespread debate and criticism from civil society organizations, raising concerns about free speech in Ghana.
Barker-Vormawor, who lost his Cambridge scholarship due to the treason trial, is the latest beneficiary of the new Attorney General’s decision to drop several high-profile cases initiated by the previous administration.
With the prosecution failing to present any evidence beyond the accused’s social media post, the trial made little progress over two years.
Had he been found guilty, Barker-Vormawor could have faced a death sentence or life imprisonment. By discontinuing the case, the Attorney General adds to the growing list of high-profile prosecutions that have been halted since taking office.
On Tuesday, March 18, the case was called in court without Barker-Vormawor or his legal team present.
Although the proceedings were brief, Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah introduced the prosecution’s team.
After acknowledging the Attorney General’s nolle prosequi, trial judge Justice Mary Ekua Yanzu declared, “The charges have been struck out, and the accused person is discharged.”
Since then, Barker-Vormawor has taken to social media to express his gratitude to those who supported him throughout the trial.
By Najat Adamu