Exonerated from trumped-up accusations of treason and abetment, former Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Agordzo is poised to unveil his memoir detailing the tribulations he endured during the alleged coup conspiracy involving unconventional weaponry like a kitchen knife and homemade pepper bombs.
Just over two years post the trial that tragically claimed the life of one of the accused, the esteemed law enforcer is prepared to divulge his experiences in a 500-page book reviewed by the eminent Professor S. Kwaku Asare from the University of Florida and a CDD-Ghana Democracy and Development Fellow in Public Law and Justice.
Entitled ‘From Persecution to Freedom – Reflections on My Journey Through the Justice System in Ghana’, the book is scheduled for an official launch on October 30, 2024, at the Christ the King Parish Hall, positioned opposite the Jubilee House in Accra.
A pre-event flyer circulating on social media has sparked substantial interest, anticipating a noteworthy presence of distinguished figures from both the Ghanaian and international communities. ACP Dr. Agordzo was arrested in November 2019 alongside nine others on charges of plotting a coup against the Akufo-Addo government.
He faced allegations of conspiring to commit high treason, abetting high treason, and high treason based on the government’s fabricated claims.
Authorities alleged the discovery of a cache of weapons intended for the purported coup, including three antiquated firearms and a kitchen knife. Subsequently, then Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah disclosed findings from the National Security’s investigation, uncovering plans by the suspects to procure bags of dried pepper from the Agbogbloshie market in Accra.
Their intent was to grind the pepper into powder to create pepper bombs to support their operation.
The implausible claims by the beleaguered government added a moment of levity for many, resulting in the coup conspiracy being dubbed the ‘kitchen knife coup’.
In a judicial ruling in January 2024, six out of the ten accused individuals received death sentences, while three, including ACP Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, were acquitted and released.
While specifics of the book are being kept confidential, a source close to the former Police Chief suggests that the revelations within the book are expected to be explosive, enlightening, and serve as a call to urgently reform the Ghanaian justice system.
As Ghanaians head to the polls to select the next governing party for the ensuing four years, every account shedding light on the experiences of citizens under the current NPP administration and how it has impacted the justice system is crucial in influencing the choices voters make on December 7.
Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Kwasi Agordzo is a distinguished law enforcement officer with 35 years of expertise in investigations, training, human resource development, and operations.
He ascended the ranks within the Ghana Police Service (GPS), fulfilling roles such as Director of Patrols and Operations, and Coordinator of the National Election Security Task Force.
Academically accomplished, ACP Agordzo holds a Bachelor’s and a PhD in Human Rights and Politics, specializing in Rule of Law and Security Sector Reforms.
He is an international training expert and lecturer, with peacekeeping experiences in Sudan, Somalia, and Haiti. Recognized for his vocal advocacy for police reform, he faced accusations of treason in 2019 but was acquitted in early 2024. ACP Agordzo is married with five children.
“From Persecution to Freedom: Reflections on my journey through the Justice System in Ghana” by Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Kwasi Agordzo is a poignant exploration of human rights and justice issues based on his personal encounters within Ghana’s criminal justice system. With 36 years of remarkable police service, ACP