Accra (Greater Accra) 24 Nov '98 Mr J.C. Amonoo-Monney, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), today said there is enough evidence to convict the five persons who were arrested on September two, 1994, for plotting to overthrow the government.
Replying to defence submissions that the five accused persons be acquitted and discharged at a High Court, The DPP said there is corroborated evidence that the accused met various prosecution witnesses for the purpose of overthrowing the government by unlawful means.
The five, who have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and treason and are in custody, are Alexander Ofei, Kwame Ofori- Appiah, Sylvester Addai-Dwomoh, John Kwadwo Owusu- Boakye, and Emmanuel Osei Kofi.
On the conspiracy charge, Mr Amonoo-Monney said there is corroborated evidence that Ofei and Ofori-Appiah contacted four prosecution witnesses who are soldiers and were on guard duty at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation to assist them to stage a coup.
He said there is also evidence that the two asked the witnesses to recruit more soldiers and acquire grenades and mowags, for use on September two, 1994, the day of the coup.
Mr Amonoo-Monney said there is also evidence that when the prosecution witnesses were contacted and they found that it was illegal for them to accede to the request of the accused persons, they reported the matter to the military authorities.
The DPP said the authorities asked the witnesses to feign interest and co-operate with the accused, as a result of which there were series of meetings between the accused and the witnesses.
He said it is on record that at one of their meetings, the accused persons introduced one Major Oppong Addae, formerly with the Airborne Forces in Tamale, to the witnesses as the alleged coup leader.
Mr Amonoo-Monney said there is evidence that Ofei gave money to some of the prosecution witnesses to procure grenades for the operation.
The DPP said it is on record that several events took place between the accused persons and some of the prosecution witnesses which suggests that the accused met with a common purpose to stage a coup.
These events prove the charge of conspiracy against the accused persons, the DPP added.
The DPP continues his address tomorrow.
