Three persons arrested for ‘coup plotting’ in Ghana

The Ghanaian government says its security agencies have arrested three persons over alleged plot to take over the “reins of government” in the country.

In a statement on Monday, Kojo Nkrumah, minister of information, said the operatives arrested Frederick Yao Mac-Palm and his two accomplices, Ezor Kafui, a local weapon manufacturer, and Bright Ofosu after fifteen months of surveillance on them.

The minister said the plot was an elaborate one targeted at the presidency, and at destabilising the country.

He accused the suspects of organising a series of meetings in different locations and forming a group named ‘Take Action Ghana’ with the aim of inciting the youth against the country.

“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,” he said.

“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 persons arrested are Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm and his two accomplices Mr. Ezor Kafui (a local weapon manufacturer) and Mr. Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu (aka BB or ADC).

“Between June and August 2018, BB, acting for and on behalf of Dr. MacPalm, contacted a number of serving military personnel, and talked them into hatching and executing a plot to obtain weapons, take over key installations, and secure funding for the purpose of taking over the reins of government. These meetings were closely monitored.

“In August 2018, Dr. Mac-Palm and two others, Kennedy Amoah and Dr. Albert Sam (Based in the USA) formed a group called “Take Action Ghana” (TAG), under the guise of mobilising the youth for nation building, education, health, and providing shelter to the needy. Evidence available shows the intent was to build a support base of youth, and radicalize them against the political authority in Ghana.”