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The High Court overseeing the trial of nine individuals accused of attempting to overthrow the government has scheduled January 24, 2024, for the delivery of its verdict. Regardless of whether the accused submit written statements on that day, the court has affirmed its intent to render judgment.
During the proceedings, the Attorney General informed the three-panel court, comprising Court of Appeal Justices Hafisata Amaleboba, Stephen Oppong, and Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe, that all relevant submissions had been filed and served to involved parties.
However, Defense Counsels Rita Ali and Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, representing Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu and four of the accused individuals, respectively, informed the court of their pending submissions. Adawudu cited health issues and an overwhelming workload, while Ms. Ali explained her late arrival to Debrah’s defense but assured the court of catching up.
Consequently, they were granted an extension until December 13, 2023, to file their submissions. Other counsels either confirmed ongoing preparation of their submissions or stated they were yet to serve the opposing parties.
Earlier directives from the court had mandated all legal documents to be filed by November 17, 2023, preceding the impending judgment. The court session on October 17, 2023, witnessed the testimony of Warrant Officer Class II (WOII) Esther Saan Dekuwine, following which the prosecution concluded its case. The trial was adjourned to November 22, 2023, for further direction on the impending judgment.
The accused individuals, arrested in 2019 and committed by the Kaneshie District Court for trial at the High Court in 2020, include the late alleged leader Dr. Frederick Mac-Palm, Donya Kafui, Bright Alan Debrah, Johannes Zikpi, Colonel Samuel Kojo Gameli, WOII Esther, Lance Airforce Corporal (LAC) Ali Solomon, LAC Seidu Abubakar, Corporal Sylvester Akankpewon, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr. Benjamin Kwasi Agordzo.
Notably, ACP Dr. Agordzo was the first to be granted bail by Justice Ekow Baiden. The trial initially presided over by Justice Asiedu, a Supreme Court Judge, was later transitioned to the current three-member court, with Justices Stephen Oppong and Hafisata Amaleboba, who serve as both Court of Appeal judges and High Court judges, taking over.
