Convener of #FixTheCountry Movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has said that he does not wish for the military to run the country’s affairs.
The social media activist noted for describing Ghana’s army as useless has stressed that his views should not be translated as an endorsement of military rule.
“I do not desire military government for this country, and two ideas can coexist at the same time. And that I think that our democracy is substandard without calling for the military to rule Ghana,” he said at a press forum in Accra.
Mr Barker-Vormawor pointed out that the military as an institution has not acted in a manner worthy of admiration.
“As I do not believe that the military itself is an institution that has acted as a pillar in our democracy and that they continue to treat them as persons whom you have to be careful with, and if you create a taboo around an institution in a democracy then it’s not sufficient in the democracy.”
He further added that the military in a democratic state such as Ghana must be tolerant and that citizens should not live in fear of a potential military takeover.
Oliver’s arrest
The accused was arrested on 11 February 2022 by the Tema Regional Police Command following a post he allegedly made on social media to the effect that he would stage a coup himself if Parliament passed the controversial Electronic Levy (E-Levy) Bill.
“The post contained a clear statement of intent with a possible will to execute a coup in his declaration of intent to subvert the constitution of the Republic of Ghana,” the police statement dated 12 February 2022, signed by the Director-General of Public Affairs, DCOP Kwesi Ofori said.
After his post, a section of Ghanaians who found his comments distasteful poured out on social media to call the Ghana Police Service to arrest him.
He was arraigned on Monday, 14 February 2022, and was charged with a treason felony, but he pleaded not guilty.
He is currently on a bail of GH¢2 million. He is also expected to report to the police once a week.
The controversial levy has since been passed by Parliament, with the Minority staging a walkout.
The E-Levy was implemented on 1 May 2022.