Alleged Coup Plotters' trial begins today

The Commercial Division of the Accra High Court commenced the trial for the alleged Coup Plotters. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Agodzor, Dr Frederick Yaw Mac-Palm and eight others are standing trial for alleged treason.

The rest Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli, Donya Kafui, Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu, Johannes Zikpi, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, Warrant Officer (WOII) and Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the last Court sitting, a seven-member jury was set up to assist the Commercial Division of the Accra High Court to conduct the trial. The court presided over by Justice Samuel Asiedu, Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting with additional responsibility as a High Court judge set up the jury which paves the way for the trial to commence today.

A total of 15 persons who were chosen from various organizations to serve as jurors had their names mentioned in court. Eight of them were, however, rejected by the accused persons thereby leaving seven persons as required by the law for the case to commence.

The Prosecution led by Hilda Craig, Senior State Attorney in her opening address to the court said ACP Agodzor, Dr Frederick Yao Mac Palm and eight others who have been held for allegedly plotting to destabilise the state.

According to her, ACP Agodzor, and Dr Mac Palm, the man accused of masterminding the alleged plot; together with eight others have been slapped with six separate charges including treason felony.