Some lawyers for persons alleged to have conspired to overthrow the Akufo-Addo-led NPP government have expressed worry about the presence of uniformed military personnel in the courtroom whenever the case is called.
Eric Pongo, who held the brief of Victor Adawudu who is counsel for six of the accused persons, told the court that it was unnecessary for the military officers to be in the courtroom, especially when the accused persons have all been granted bail by the court.
He added that the military officers are not witnesses in the matter and said he did not see the need for their presence in the courtroom every trial day.
He suggested that they could alternatively come to court in mufti if they want to come to the courtroom.
His colleague lawyer Ziyerley Agbambilla also expressed the same sentiments, adding that Col. Samuel Kojo Gameli, one of the suspects, feels intimidated by the presence of a senior military officer who always follows him around during court days.
Judge’s Intervention
The court, presided over by Justice Samuel Asiedu, a court of appeal judge sitting with additional responsibilities as a high court judge, intervened that he did not know if it was the protocol of the military that whenever one of theirs is on trial in a civilian court, such an officer ought to be escorted by an officer of his rank.
He added that it could also be a sign of respect being accorded to Col. Gameli by allowing a senior military officer of his rank to escort him to court.
Mr. Agbambilla however, disagreed by stating that all the other soldiers who have met their bail conditions are not being escorted to court.
A lawyer from the Ghana Armed Forces, Squadron Leader Sandra Adusa-Nana Agyemang, told the court that it is a protocol in the military that a senior officer of the same rank escorts the accused person to court all the time.
She indicated that the military officers only come to court to give the accused person ‘morale support’ and nothing else.
She also added that if the court would take notice, it is evident that the military officers are not armed whenever they come to court since the accused persons were granted bail.
Justice Asiedu concluded that if the military officers are only in court for ‘morale support’ and are not infringing on the liberties of the accused persons by following them wherever they go, then he did not see the need for the court to intervene.
Lawyer Pongo then told the court jovially that “we don’t need their morale support.”
Case Adjourned
Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the trial of the 10 persons who have been accused of attempting to usurp the executive powers of the state, to May 4, 2021.
The prosecution was expected to call its first witness today but the case had to be adjourned as three of the accused persons who are still in prison custody as a result of their amenability to execute their bail conditions were not brought to court.
The prosecution led by Hilda Craig, a Senior State Attorney, told the court that the absence of the accused persons was due to adherence to protocols of COVID-19, which has restricted the transportation of accused persons remanded in prison custody to court.
She, however, told the court that the investigators are making arrangements to enable them bring the accused persons to court by the next sitting date.
Key Suspects
Private Medical Practitioner Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, owner of the Citadel Hospital at Alajo, Accra, who is suspected to be the ringleader; Donya Kafui aka Ezor, a local weapon manufacturer (blacksmith) from Alavanyo; Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu, aka BB; Col. Samuel Kojo Gameli, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon are part of those on trial.
The rest are Lance Corporal Sylvester Akapewu, Lance Corporal Seidu Abubakar and Johannes Zikpi, a civilian employee with the Ghana Armed Forces, WO II Esther Saan aka Mama Gee and ASP Dr. Benjamin Agordzo.
They are before the court facing five counts of treason felony, abetment of treason felony and possession of explosives, firearm and ammunitions without lawful excuse.
They are said to have held discussions on whether or not to kill the President once their alleged coup plot succeeds.
They are also alleged to have planned to acquire electronic equipment solely for the purpose of jamming the National Communications Authority’s system to render all broadcasting stations except the state broadcaster useless.
Beyond the killing plot, the prosecution alleges that the accused persons had discussions towards capturing top public officials.
Again, the accused are said to have procured weapons, some improvised, and test-fired them and contracted persons to manufacture grenades, pistols among other dangerous weapons for the ‘coup’.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak