‘The judiciary sometimes acts as a weapon against the poor’ — Barker-Vormawor fumes

Private legal practitioner and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has criticised Ghana’s judicial system, arguing that it sometimes operates in a manner that disproportionately affects ordinary citizens while ‘powerful’ individuals accused of serious offences often enjoy more favourable treatment.

In a post shared on his X page on June 17, 2026, Barker-Vormawor expressed concern over the continued detention of social media blogger Webkid, who was arrested on May 7, 2026, over allegations relating to the publication of false news and other incidental charges.

According to the lawyer and activist, Webkid has remained in custody for more than a month despite the nature of the charges against him, raising questions about the application of bail within Ghana’s justice system.

“Webkid was arrested on May 7, 2026, on publication of false news and incidental charges. Over one month later, he is still in custody. Publication of false news oo. You dey cry over Partey. The real problems for this country dey ground,” he wrote.

Partey Visa Refusal: Barker-Vormawor questions public outrage

The activist questioned why the granting of bail, which he believes should be a routine legal process, often becomes a contentious issue in Ghana.

He argued that in many democratic jurisdictions, bail is generally regarded as a right, while remand should be reserved for exceptional circumstances.

“I keep asking, why does something so routine like bail become a weapon in Ghana? What kind of justice system kraa be this? Every civilised country treats bail as the rule, and remand as the exception. An exception that is exceptionally applied,” he said.

Barker-Vormawor further suggested that some judicial decisions appear inconsistent, particularly when compared with how individuals accused of major corruption-related offences are treated.

He argued that many politicians facing allegations involving significant financial losses to the state have often been granted bail, while persons accused of relatively minor offences struggle to secure the same relief.

“The funny thing is that not a single politician accused of gargantuan corruption was denied bail,” he asserted.

The legal practitioner also questioned the rationale behind denying bail in cases he described as minor, suggesting that such decisions can have severe consequences for the lives of ordinary citizens and their families.

“What personal joy or benefit do you derive as a judge when you deny bail over petty nonsense?” he wrote.

In his strongest criticism, Barker-Vormawor claimed that the judicial system at times functions in a manner that disadvantages the poor and vulnerable, while those with influence or access to resources are better positioned to navigate legal challenges.

“Our judiciary acts sometimes as the weapon fashioned against the poor. To be safe in this country, you have to steal from Ghana,” he added.

Webkid was arrested on 7th May 2026. On publication of false news and incidental charges. Over 1 month later, he is still in custody. Publication of false news oo.

You dey cry over Partey. The real problems for this country Dey ground.

I keep asking, why does something so…

— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) June 17, 2026