Six people connected to an alleged coup attempt were found guilty by an Accra High Court for conspiring to commit high treason and actually committing high treason, which carries a hanging death sentence.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, following months of legal proceedings and deliberations.
The accused, facing charges dating back to April 24, 2021, included the late Chief Executive Officer of Citadel Hospital, Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, Donya Kafui alias Ezor, Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu, Yohannes Zikpi, Warrant Officer Class Two Esther Saan Dekuwine, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, and Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon.
Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr. Benjamin Agordzo were charged with abetment.
Notably, ACP Agordzo and two others – Colonel Gameli and Corporal Seidu Abubakar – have been acquitted.
The verdict, which came after the submission of written arguments on November 22, 2023, was met with mixed reactions from the public.
The charges, which included conspiracy to high treason, abetment to high treason, and high treason, had drawn widespread attention due to their gravity and potential implications.
The passing of Dr. Mac-Palm led to the removal of his testimony from the records, as officially confirmed by the Court. The defense team, comprising lawyers from Legal Aid and private practitioners, vigorously represented each accused individual throughout the trial.
Notable defense attorneys included Rita Akukunti Ali, Victor Kodjogah Adawudu, Anthony Lartey, Eric Kpongo, Lamptiig Apanga, Matthias Yir-Eru, Kormivi Dzotsi, Ephraim A. Vordoagu, and Maud Opoku.
The three-member panel of judges, sitting as additional High Court judges, consisted of Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, and Justice Stephen Oppong, with Justice Asare-Botwe serving as the President of the panel.
The State Prosecutors, led by Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, presented a robust case, calling 13 witnesses, including seven soldiers, during the trial that commenced on June 8, 2021, and concluded on July 12, 2022.