The High Court hearing the treason felony trial of Fix The Country Movement convenor, Oliver Barker-Vormawor has dismissed a motion by the activist challenging the constitutionality of the charge and the jurisdiction of the High Court to hear the case.
Led by Dr Justice Srem Sai, lawyers for the Oliver Barker-Vormawor earlier filed a motion asking the court to stay the proceeding and refer the matter to the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of the charge and the High Court’s jurisdiction.
But Justice Mary Ekue Yanzuh in her ruling on Monday, May 27 affirmed her court’s authority to proceed with the trial despite objections from lawyers of the Fix The Country convenor.
The prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Dentaa Yankah argued that the High Court was fully competent to handle the trial. She accused Barker-Vormawor’s defense team of attempting to obstruct the legal process.
Dentaa Yankah further asserted that Barker-Vormawor’s Facebook post, which led to his arrest in February 2022, had the potential to incite a coup by those with the means and intent.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor was charged with treason felony following his arrest on February 11, 2022, at Kotoka International Airport upon returning from the United Kingdom.
According to the Ghana Police Service, his arrest was prompted by a Facebook post dated February 12, in which he allegedly threatened to stage a coup if the E-Levy Bill was passed by Parliament. The Police described the post as a clear statement of intent to subvert the Constitution of Ghana.
Hearing of the case has been adjourned to June 3, for the commencement of the trial.