Government using coup tag to divert attention from corruption – Lawyer Adawudu

Lawyer for the three suspects arrested for allegedly plotting to stage a coup in Ghana, Victor Adawudu has accused the government of using his clients as pawns to divert attention from the harsh economic realities in the country.

According to Mr Adawudu, the government has been under heavy pressure, particularly this year, with respect to the several scandals it has been cited in.

Thus, exaggerating this issue to divert attention is the government’s only option at this point.

In an interaction with the media after court proceedings, September 24, 2019, Mr Adawudu said, “…government is really under pressure, the corruption issues every day it’s in there and they want some issue to come to divert attention. There's a lot of issues that will come up as this matter unfolds.”

He continued that not only has the issue been exaggerated to feed the minds of Ghanaians, it is also sensational.

“It is sensational, that will prejudice the minds of the people and you see it has a trace. If you watch from social media people will tell you that there is a scheme to go round with people to intimidate people because of what is going on.”

“When it comes to political things and government is really under this, you bring an issue to divert attention. It is called political communication.” Lawyer Adawudu added.

Irrespective of the government in power, Lawyer Adawudu said, political communication will always thrive.

In the same vein, Lawyer Adawudu said, his clients have denied ownership of the firearms and ammunition uncovered by the security agencies in the operation that led to their arrest.

The Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, in a statement released noted that, “On Friday, 20th September 2019, a joint security operation of personnel drawn from Defence Intelligence, CID and Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), conducted a successful operation which led to the arrest of three persons and the retrieval of several arms, explosive devices and ammunition from locations in Accra and Bawaleshie near Dodowa.”

“The joint operation was to neutralize an elaborate plot targeted at the Presidency, and with the ultimate aim of destabilizing the country.”

“The arrest and seizure come after fifteen (15) months of surveillance and gathering of evidence on the activities of the prime suspects and others.” The statement added.