There was controversy at the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court on Tuesday, April 13, when Lawyers of some accused persons raised concerns over why military escorts should be handling the alleged coup plotters.
Lawyer Eric Pongo who was holding brief for Victor Kodjogah Adawudu told the court that his client Col Samuel Kojo Gameli was being followed around in court by military persons despite being granted bail.
His position was corroborated by counsel for Warrant Officer II, Esther Saan Ziyeli Agambila.
The Lawyers claimed the conduct intimidates their clients.
A lawyer with the Ghana Armed Forces Squadron Leader, Sandra Efusah-Nana Agyemang, acting as a friend of the court, told the Court that it was part of their protocol in the Army to give their officers standing trial, morale support, but the lawyers said, they do not need such moral support.
A Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting with additional responsibility as a High Court judge, Samuel Asiedu said he sees nothing wrong with such an issue and it would have been a concern if they were infringing on their rights and liberties.
He, however, urged the Lawyer to ensure that his client exercises courage.
The commencement of the trial has been adjourned to the fourth of next month because three of the 10 accused persons who could not meet their bail conditions were not brought to court due to Covid-19 measures.
ACP Benjamin Agordzor, Dr Frederick Yao Mac Palm, and eight others are standing trial for various charges including treason felony.