Three persons arrested on suspicion of plotting to overthrow Ghana’s democratically elected government have been charged at the Kaneshie District Court in Accra on Tuesday.
They are Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm and accomplices Ezor Kafui, a local weapon manufacturer, and Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu.
They were arrested on Friday, September 20 in possession of fire arms and ammunition by a combined security team drawn from Defence Intelligence, Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).
A statement issued by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on Monday said the operation was “to neutralize an elaborate plot targeted at the Presidency, and with the ultimate aim of destabilizing the country”.
According to government, the arrest was as a result of 15 months of surveillance and gathering of evidence.
Meanwhile, the three have been charged with five counts including conspiracy to manufacture arms and ammunition without lawful authority and possession of explosives and firearms without lawful excuse.
Prosecutor, ASP Sylvester Asare asked the court to remand the accused persons into BNI custody to make it easy for investigators to get access to them.
He told the court family members and counsel would be given access to the accused persons, 3news.com’s Godfred Tanam reported.
The pleas of Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, Donya Ezor Kafui and Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu were not taken by the court.
Counsel for the accused persons, Victor Kojoga Adawudu, opposed the argument of prosecution and demanded to know why the pleas of his clients were not taken since prosecution has presented the facts sheet and charges before the court.
He argued that, it is only the court that has the power to decide whether to remand the accused persons and not prosecution.
ASP Asare responded, explaining that their pleas were not taken because prosecution has not concluded investigations into the case.
The Presiding Magistrate, Rosemond Agyiri said there was no need taking the pleas because some of the charges were beyond her jurisdiction.
She further stated she appreciated why investigations need to be conducted into the case, but cautioned prosecution she will give her own orders on the adjourned date if she does not see any further investigation.
The case has been adjourned to October 9.
Source: 3news.com / Ghana