Six alleged coup plotters sentenced to death by hanging; ACP Agordzo, two others acquitted
The High Court has rendered its verdict in the case involving alleged coup plotters, with six individuals convicted for counts of conspiracy to commit high treason and committing high treason.
Notably, Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Agordzo, Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli, and another junior military officer, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, were acquitted.
The six convicted individuals, including three soldiers, have been sentenced to death by hanging.
They are identified as Donya Kafui, also known as Ezor, Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu, Johannes Zikpi, Warrant Officer II Esther Saan Dekuwine, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, and Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon.
The judgment was delivered on the previously set date of November 22, 2023, following written submissions from all parties.
The accused faced charges ranging from conspiracy to high treason to abetment.
The legal proceedings involved defense lawyers, such as 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.
Notably, Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, the CEO of Citadel Hospital, who was among the accused, is now deceased.
The Attorney General’s team, led by Godfred Yeboah Dame, included prosecutors such as Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, Hilda Craig, Winifred Sarpong, Lawrencia Adika, and Akosua Agyapomaa Agyemang.
The three-member panel of judges consisted of Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, and Justice Stephen Oppong.
State witnesses, including Col. Isaac Amponsah, Director of Operational Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces, played a crucial role in the trial.
The trial, which began on June 8, 2021, saw the prosecution closing its case on July 12, 2022, after presenting 13 witnesses, including seven soldiers.
The death of Dr. Mac-Palm led to the removal of his testimony from the records.
