‘Coup plotter’s case: State to call 19 witnesses as it empanels jury

The prosecution in the case in which ACP Benjamin Agodzor and nine others are standing trial for alleged treason is set to call 19 witnesses as the Accra High Court empanels a seven-member jury.

After several attempts to get the jurors to confirm their participation, the court on Thursday announced that jurors are ready, paving way for the trial to start.

A Senior State Attorney, Hilda Craig, told Justice Samuel Asiedu that prosecution would also be relying on documentaries, audio recordings and exhibition to prove their charges conferred against the accused persons.

Background

It has been over a year since the high-ranking police officer, ACP Benjamin Agodzor, was charged with abetment to treason felony.

A medical doctor, Dr Frederick Yao Mac Palm, has been accused of being the plot’s mastermind.

The eight other accused persons are Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli, Donya Kafui, Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu, Johannes Zikpi, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon and Corporal Slyvester Akanpewon.

The accused persons have been slapped with six separate charges, including treason felony contrary to section 23 (1) and 182 (b) of the criminal and other offences Act, 1960.

Dr Mac-Palm, Dornyor Kafui, Allan Debrah Ofosu, Dekuwine, Abubakar, L/Cpl Akanpewon and Zikpi are on charges of conspiracy to commit treason felony and treason felony.

Dr Mac-Palm and Kafui have been separately charged with conspiracy to possess explosives and ammunition without lawful excuse and possession of explosives and ammunition without lawful excuse.

Col Gameli and ACP Dr Agordzo have been charged with abetment to treason felony. Charges, they have all pleaded not guilty to.

The court also directed the prosecution team led by Senior State Attorney, Hilda Craig to ensure all the lawyers are served with the disclosure documents.

The case has been adjourned to February 16, 2021.