A group of six individuals implicated in an alleged coup plot has been condemned to death for charges of conspiracy to commit high treason and the act of high treason. However, the High Court has absolved Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Agordzo, Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli, and one other junior military officer, Corporal Seidu Abubakar.
The six individuals convicted of plotting the coup now face the sentence of death by hanging. Among them are civilians 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. Additionally, Johannes Zikpi, a civilian employee of the Ghana Armed Forces, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason.
The three soldiers involved, namely Warrant Officer II Esther Saan Dekuwine, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, and Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason. The judgment, rendered on November 22, 2023, followed the submission of written arguments by all parties involved.
On April 24, 2021, Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, the Chief Executive Officer of Citadel Hospital (now deceased), and ACP Dr. Agordzo, along with eight others, were charged with conspiracy to high treason, abetment to high treason, and high treason. Notably, following Dr. Mac-Palm’s death, his testimony was expunged from the records.
The Attorney General’s team, led by Godfred Yeboah Dame, included Mrs. Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, Director of Public Prosecution, Hilda Craig, a Principal State Attorney, Winifred Sarpong, State Attorney, Ms. Lawrencia Adika, State Attorney, and Akosua Agyapomaa Agyemang, Assistant State Attorney, among others. Defense lawyers represented each accused, 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, and others.
The trial, overseen by a three-member panel of judges comprising Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, and Justice Stephen Oppong, unfolded with thirteen witnesses, including seven soldiers, presented by State Prosecutors. The case concluded on July 12, 2022, after beginning on June 8, 2021.