Six coup plotters convicted in Ghana
Six coup plotters sentenced to death
In a recent ruling, the High Court has pronounced six individuals guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason and committing high treason in connection to an alleged coup plot.
The court has sentenced these six individuals to death by hanging. However, Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Agordzo, Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli, and one other junior military officer, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, have been acquitted of all charges.
The convicted individuals include Donya Kafui, also known as Ezor, a blacksmith, and Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu, a fleet manager. They were found guilty of conspiracy to commit treason and treason. Johannes Zikpi, a civilian employee of the Ghana Armed Forces, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason.
Among the convicted are three soldiers: Warrant Officer II Esther Saan Dekuwine, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, and Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon. They were found guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason.
The judgment, which was rendered on Wednesday, was scheduled after all parties involved had submitted their written submissions on November 22, 2023.
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The initial charges were filed on April 24, 2021, against Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, the Chief Executive Officer of Citadel Hospital (now deceased), ACP Dr. Agordzo, and eight others. The charges included conspiracy to commit high treason, abetment to commit high treason, and high treason.
Dr. Mac-Palm, Donya Kafui (alias Ezor), Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu (alias Bright Alan Yeboah), Yohannes Zikpi, Warrant Officer Class Two Esther Saan Dekuwine, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, and Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon were charged with conspiracy to commit high and high treason.
Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli and Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Benjamin Agordzo were charged with abetment.
All ten accused individuals initially pleaded not guilty and were granted bail while awaiting trial. However, following the death of Dr. Mac-Palm, his testimony was removed from the records.
The prosecution team from the Attorney General’s Department, led by AG Godfred Yeboah Dame, included Mrs. Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, Director of Public Prosecution, Hilda Craig, Principal State Attorney, Winifred Sarpong and Ms. Lawrencia Adika, State Attorneys, and Akosua Agyapomaa Agyemang, Assistant State Attorney, among others.
The defense was represented by various lawyers, including Rita Akukunti Ali, Osei Kwabena, Linda Elikem Mensah, Victor Kodjogah Adawudu, Anthony Lartey, Eric Kpongo, Lamptiig Apanga, Matthias Yir-Eru, Kormivi Dzotsi, Martin Kpebu, Ephraim A. Vordoagu, and Maud Opoku.
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The panel of judges presiding over the case included Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, and Justice Stephen Oppong, all of whom are Justices of the Court of Appeal sitting as additional High Court judges. Justice Asare-Botwe served as the President of the panel.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 13 witnesses, including seven soldiers. One of the notable witnesses was Colonel Isaac Amponsah, the Director of Operational Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The prosecution concluded its case on July 12, 2022, after calling all 13 witnesses. The trial had commenced on June 8, 2021.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
