At the TReason Trial

Accra (Greater Accra) 3 Dec. '97 The Special Court trying five persons who have been charged with treason, has begun hearing the evidence of the third prosecution witness, Private Kingsley Amoah. Led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr.. J.C. Amonoo-Monney, Private Amoah said he retired from the Army a year ago after serving for 10 years. He said at the time of the alleged coup plot in 1994, he was still in service and was at Michel Camp, near Tema. He said in August, 1994, he was posted go Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on guard duties.

Private Amoah said on 25th August 1994 while on guard duty at GBC, the first and second accused persons, Alex Offei and Kwame Ofori-Appiah contacted him. The accused had discussions with him at one time or the other on the coup plot. Private Amoah said he reported the behaviour and the approaches of the accused persons to the authorities who asked him to feign co-operation and report on all developments to them.

He said on one occasion, the first accused, Alex Offei told him that he was in the country to overthrow the government of Ghana and that he wanted him (witness) to help in the acquisition of an armoured car.

He said the second accused, Ofori-Appiah, later confirmed what the first accused had told him. Private Amoah said Alex Offei enquired from him what he could charge if he acquired the armoured car and recruited the additional person but he replied that until he recruited the person he could not charge.

He said Offei gave him 5,000 cedis and they agreed to meet at GBC and left in a Taxi.

Witness said when he reported to the authorities they asked that Lance-Corporal Tangui Insene who was also on duty at G.B.C. should accompany him. The following day he and Alex Tangui met the first and second accused at the GBC bus-stop where he introduced Tangui as the person he had recruited. He said Offei requested that they should go elsewhere for discussions.

The hearing continues.