Nine Charged in Ghana “Coup Plot”

State prosecutors in Ghana have formally charged nine men for treason for their alleged engagement in an “elaborate plot” to overthrow the government.

The men were arrested last month for supposedly plotting to take hold of several key state institutions, with the aim of destabilising and overthrowing the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Prosecutors contend they are part of the group Take Action Ghana, aiming to stage protests throughout the country.

Family of some of the accused appeared outside the district court yesterday to make libation, a practise that involves pouring a drink out as an offer to a deity.

One of the relatives explained how they were “calling on the gods of Kpando, the gods of Avetime, the gods of Alavanyo to intervene that all those who will come and give false testimony against them, the gods should take care of them”.

Ghana has been viewed as one of the more stable countries on the continent of Africa since its transition from one-party rule to a multi-party democracy in 1992.

Nana Akufo-Addo, a former human rights lawyer, won the presidency in December 2016 with 53.8% of the vote, defeating the incumbent John Mahama.  

The election was seen a test for the state of democracy in the country, especially given its locality within a region plagued by dictators and kleptocrats.