One of the accused persons in the trial for plotting to overthrow the government, Bright Alan Debrah, has referred to the footage presented by the prosecution as evidence as being similar to an Indian soap opera called “Kumkum Bhagya” with a Twi voice-over.
In his testimony, Alan stated, “I was in the video and I saw myself, Corporal (CPL) Ali Solomon and Lance Airforce Corporal (LAC) Sylvester Akankpewu, the first time I saw the video, it was like Kumkum Bhagya or an Indian movie with Twi voice over.”
While he acknowledged being captured in the videos, he claimed that the voices had been edited and manipulated to fit the prosecution's narrative.
Alan's remarks were made during his evidence-in-chief at the High Court, where he and eight others are on trial following the passing of Dr Frederick Mac-Palm.
He further confirmed that he was acquainted with Warrant Officer Class Two Esther Saan.
Identifying himself as Bright Alan Yeboah, a transport manager and resident of American House, he explained that he was arraigned due to his involvement with a political party called Africa Reform Movement (ARM), of which he was the organizer, along with Nii Amu Darku.
According to Alan, they submitted their party's documents to the Electoral Commission (EC), but due to not having offices in two-thirds of the country's districts, they were unable to contest in the 2016 general elections.
Alan stated that ARM's leader, Darku, based in Australia, proposed making changes that required signatures from citizens across the country, appointing the late Mac-Palm as the national organizer and Alan as his deputy.
After being invited to Mac-Palm‘s office, Alan and Mac-Palm developed a friendship, with meetings being held at Teshie Nungua, where ARM's office was located.
The accused revealed that Mac-Palm had a falling out with Nii Amu Darku, following which he expressed his desire to help the needy, particularly those in rural areas.
In 2018, Alan, Mac-Palm, and Dr Sam (a friend of Mac-Palm from the United States) met at Alajo, Mac-Palm's office, to discuss ways to contribute to the country. This led to the formation of a registered Non-profit Organization called Take Action Ghana (TAG), with Alan serving as the General Secretary.
Under TAG, Alan mentioned that they conducted free medical outreach programs in Ankwani, the Eastern Region, and several villages in the Upper West, Western, and Volta regions. They also donated cement for health post-construction in the Eastern and Upper West regions.
Alan claimed that during a trip from Bole, they encountered a robbery incident, and Staff Sergeant Sule Kwadwo Awarf, a prosecution witness, suggested obtaining firearms. However, Mac-Palm stated that he already possessed a pistol.
While testifying, Alan explained that he declined an offer from Sulley to pick up pistols from Donya Kafui, alias Ezor, as he had other commitments. Ezor's role, as explained by Mac-Palm, was to repair guns in Mac-Palm's X-ray container at Citadel Hospital whenever Sulley brought them.
Alan recalled a request from Sulley to test fire the five pistols that had been fixed, but he declined due to lack of time. Eventually, Mac-Palm and Ezor were arrested when they went to the military shooting range to test the firearms.
Regarding his own arrest, Alan mentioned that it took place at the 37 Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) premises, where he was planning to hand over car documents to a buyer.
During a search of his house, the arresting team found only a kitchen knife. Alan was taken to the National Bureau of Investigation (formerly BNI) after the knife was sent for examination.
According to Alan, during the interrogation, he was pressured to sign a document implicating individuals such as Madam Valerie Sawyer, former Deputy Chief of Staff, Kofi Adams, an aide to the late former President J.J. Rawlings, and ACP Dr Benjamin Agordzo. However, he denied any connection with them.
He firmly stated in court, “The allegation that I and the others planned to overthrow the government is a lie. I have never met ACP Agordzo, Colonel Samuel Kojo Gameli, and the others except for Ezor and CPL Ali Solomon, whom I have known for a long time, and I saw LAC Akankpewu once.”
Alan is standing trial alongside Donya Kafui, Johannes Zikpi, Colonel Samuel Kojo Gameli, Warrant Officer Class Two Esther Saan, CPL Seidu Abubakar, LAC Akankpewu, CPL Ali Solomon, and ACP Dr Agordzo.
They face various charges, including conspiracy, high treason, and abetment. All of them have been granted bail.
