COUP SCARE ?seven arrested and quizzed
Seven persons, mainly ex military officers of the disbanded 64 Infantry Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces were arrested over the weekend by a combined team of Police and officers of state security for allegedly plotting to overthrow the current government. In exactly hundred words, the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Mr. Asante Apeatu said in a press release titled ?Threat to the security of the country? that those involved were ?being questioned.? The is the second time in less than a year that ex-military officers connected to the 64 Infantry regiment, which formed the core of the ex-President?s Commando Unit, have been arrested in connection with a coup plot.
Early this year, four persons, including the ex-Commander of the Unit, Col. Gbevlo Lartey who was then serving in the Armed Forces, were arrested in connection with a coup plot. Col. Lartey was subsequently retired from the Armed Forces. That arrest generated controversy and later faded out, denting the credibility of that particular allegation.
In a statement issued last Saturday in connection with the alleged recent coup attempt, the CID boss stated that the suspects were being questioned for ?conspiracy to subvert the democratic government and perpetuate certain terrorist?s actions. They are presently being questioned and appropriate advice will be sought when necessary to determine their appearance before the court of law.?
In Ghana, attempting to overthrow a constitutionally elected government is a treasonable offence.
Mr Kufuor is seeking re-election in a presidential election scheduled to be held on December 7, this year. His Party, the New Patriotic Party had been in opposition for about thirty years until 2000 when they won the election after a Presidential run-off.
