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Ghana Sentences Six to Death in Landmark Treason Trial
In a historic verdict, six Ghanaians, including three soldiers, were sentenced to death by hanging on Wednesday for their involvement in a coup plot against President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government in 2020. This marks the first treason trial and death sentence for such a crime since the overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, in 1966.
The six men were arrested in 2021 while testing weapons in Accra, allegedly as part of a plan to topple the government ahead of the 2020 elections. The group, which included a gunsmith, pleaded not guilty throughout the trial, but the court found them guilty of high treason and conspiracy to commit high treason based on evidence including intercepted communications, testimonies, and the discovery of locally manufactured guns, improvised explosive devices, and AK-47 rifles.
Defense lawyers have announced their intention to appeal the verdict to the Supreme Court. Three other individuals, including a senior police officer and two military officers, were acquitted in the case.
The verdict has sparked mixed reactions across Ghana. Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, who led the prosecution, praised the decision, stating that “the constitution of Ghana frowns seriously upon any attempt to overthrow a government.” However, the potential execution has also raised concerns about Ghana’s use of the death penalty, particularly after lawmakers abolished it for ordinary crimes in 2023.
The last execution in Ghana took place in 1992, marking the country’s return to multi-party democracy.
Ethiopia Welcomes Mediation in Somalia Port Dispute
In a shift of tone, Ethiopia’s national security adviser, Redwan Hussein, extended an olive branch to “friends” on Tuesday, saying Addis Ababa was open to their input in de-escalating tensions with Somalia over a controversial port deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The move follows a Monday statement criticizing “opportunistic external actors” seen as targeting Egypt, which has voiced concerns about the deal’s implications for Somali sovereignty.
“As part of our commitment, we shall redouble our effort to ensure a better understanding,” Redwan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Will listen to friends for a possible coordination of efforts lowering rhetoric.”
He added, “Will continue striving to steadily reach a conclusion with amicable considerations which benefit all.”
The dispute hinges on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Ethiopia signed with Somaliland earlier this month. The agreement grants landlocked Ethiopia access to a Somaliland port for military and commercial purposes, stoking Somali anger and raising concerns about regional stability.
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