Attorney General drops charges against Democracy Hub protesters

The Attorney General (A-G) of Ghana has filed a nolle prosequi, effectively discontinuing the case against numerous individuals associated with the Democracy Hub protests, including prominent activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor and social media influencer Elorm Ama Governor-Ababio, also known as Ama Governor.

The January 2025 decision indicates the A-G’s disinterest in the prosecution. However, the state can revive the case at a later date if it chooses to do so.

The protesters, arrested and charged after a demonstration, had been granted bail, except for Barker-Vormawor. The activist was initially denied bail due to pending treason felony charges from a separate case. The charges against the group ignited widespread public debate, with many Ghanaians and civil society organizations advocating for their release, citing concerns over freedom of expression and the right to protest.

The Attorney General’s decision to file a nolle prosequi—indicating the state’s intention to discontinue prosecution—was officially submitted to the Circuit Court in Accra. The document, signed by the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, stated that the state no longer intends to pursue charges against the accused individuals.

Those named in the court documents include Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Michael Amofa, Nii Ayi, Frederick Boateng, Deportee Iddrisu Yusif, Wendell Isaac Yeboah, Fanny Otoo, Samuel Samakor, and Felicity Nelson. Elorm Ama Governor-Ababio, who faced separate charges under suit number D2/38/2025, was also included in the AG’s decision to drop the case.

The Democracy Hub protests of 2024 were part of a broader wave of demonstrations calling for increased government accountability and transparency. The arrests of the protesters garnered significant attention, with many perceiving the charges as politically motivated.