Prosecuting Ama Governor, Barker-Vormawor Was a Political Misstep – NPP MP

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame, John Darko, has criticized the initial prosecution of social activist Ama Governor and #FixTheCountry convener Oliver Barker-Vormawor, describing it as both unnecessary and politically unwise.

Speaking on *The Big Issue* on Channel One TV, the MP, who is also a legal practitioner, argued that certain legal cases should never have been pursued, as they risked portraying the accused as “martyrs.”

“As a lawyer, I believe some cases shouldn’t be prosecuted. In fact, even as a politician, I think pursuing certain cases only elevates individuals to martyr status. Ama Governor and the others should not have been prosecuted,” he asserted.

The Attorney General recently withdrew all charges against a group of individuals linked to the *Democracy Hub* protests, which included a demonstration against illegal mining in Accra from September 21 to September 23, 2024. Among those affected by the decision were Oliver Barker-Vormawor and social media influencer Elorm Ama Governor-Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor, who participated alongside 50 others.

The case dismissal, filed under *nolle prosequi* in January 2025, officially grants freedom to all those previously charged. A court document signed by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine confirmed the state’s decision to discontinue the prosecution.

Although the Suame MP acknowledged that there were initial grounds for legal action, including damage to public property, he maintained that the political implications of the prosecution made it an unwise move.

“I thought politically, it wasn’t a smart decision to prosecute them,” he stated.

He further suggested that the government’s decision to withdraw the charges was a strategic effort to demonstrate impartiality, ensuring that such legal leniency was not seen as benefiting only members or affiliates of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“I believe the withdrawal of these cases was to show the public that we are not only dropping cases against NDC individuals. But in any case, I think it was the right call. Their actions didn’t cause financial loss to the state, so it’s fine,” he noted.

While welcoming the decision, the MP advised Ama Governor and Barker-Vormawor to take the experience as a lesson and uphold the integrity of their profession.

“I hope they will reflect on this and conduct themselves appropriately. As lawyers, they have a duty to make the profession proud,” he added.