Six individuals, including three military personnel, have been sentenced to death by hanging for their involvement in a coup conspiracy that unfolded three years ago.
The sentencing, handed down on Wednesday at the High Court in Accra, marks Ghana’s first treason trial since 1966, the year of Kwame Nkrumah’s post-independence overthrow.
The accused, arrested in 2021 while experimenting with weapons in Accra, faced charges of plotting to overthrow the government. Among the group is a skilled gunsmith, and despite maintaining their plea of not guilty, the court found them guilty of high treason and conspiracy to commit high treason.
A heavy security presence surrounded the High Court during the sentencing, reflecting the gravity and national significance of the case. Defense lawyers have announced plans to appeal the ruling in the Supreme Court.
Three others, including a senior police officer and two military officers, were acquitted by the court. The arrested individuals were found in possession of locally manufactured guns, improvised explosive devices, and AK-47 rifles.
6 persons have been sentenced to death by hanging after they were found guilty of conspiracy to commit treason and committing high treason by an Accra High Court.#TV3NewDay pic.twitter.com/nmuneLVmAr
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) January 25, 2024
State prosecutors argued that the group had planned to organize protests to topple President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government ahead of the 2020 general elections. The court, basing its decision on compelling evidence, including intercepted communications and testimonies, affirmed the guilt of the sentenced individuals.
Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, who led the prosecution, hailed the court’s verdict as “significant.” He emphasized that the Ghanaian constitution, as the fundamental law, strongly condemns any attempt to overthrow a government.
Ghana, under democratic rule since 1992, underwent a recent legislative decision abolishing the death penalty for ordinary crimes in the previous year. The new law replaces capital punishment with a life sentence, highlighting the nation’s commitment to human rights and legal reforms.
