Six individuals from Ghana, encompassing three military men, have been handed the death verdict by execution due to their participation in an attempted coup about three years ago.
This incident marks the first treason case in Ghana since the coup against Kwame Nkrumah, the leader after Ghana's independence, in 1966.
The group of six, which includes a weapons maker, were detained in 2021 when they were caught testing arms in Accra, the country's capital, indicating plans to overthrow the government.
These individuals, despite appealing not guilty in a trial that stirred national interest, were found guilty. Their defense attorneys have stated their intent to object to the judgement in the Supreme Court.
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Three other individuals, including a high-ranking police official and two military men, were cleared of charges.
High security was observed on Wednesday outside the Accra High Court during the pronouncement of the verdict, where all six were declared guilty of severe treason and plotting to commit such an act.
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The men were found possessing locally made firearms, homemade bombs, and AK-47 rifles, according to legal records.
The state's prosecutors stated that the group conspired to stage protests, ostensibly aimed to overthrow President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration before the 2020 general elections.
Through intercepted communication and testimonies, the court believed the men were guilty.
The overall result was hailed as "significant" by Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, head of the prosecution.
Mr. Dame remarked that the constitution of Ghana stresses seriously on any coup attempts against a government, which explains why such a crime, i.e., treason, is sanctioned by death.
