
Audio By Carbonatix
Johannes Zikpi, a signaler with the Ghana Armed Forces, one of ten persons accused of attempting to overthrow government says he is not a communication specialist.
He denied having special training in communication and information technology during his evidence-in-chief at the High Court.
"I did not perform any role by way of working any communication support or plan for any coup plot contrary to the claims of the prosecution," he added.
Zikpi also denied proposing the acquisition of Gota phones to any of the accused persons to conceal any communication as alleged by the prosecution.
He said he did not suggest any communication jamming equipment so that all radio stations would be jammed except the one allegedly designated for the announcement of the coup as alleged by prosecution. He admitted knowing one Sergeant Ghartey as well as Colonel Samuel Kojo Gameli.
Zikpi explained that Colonel Gameli introduced him to the late Dr Frederick Mac-Palm for his Blood Pressure medication after which he visited the deceased for his free medicines.
He also met Colonel Gameli sometimes at Dr Mac-Palm's Citadel Hospital but they never discussed the overthrow of the Government.
The accused person said at a point in time, the late Mac-Palm experienced poor communication network at his hospital and he requested that Zikpi got him someone who could get him a Gota phone to overcome the challenge and Zikpi obliged.
"That was the time I approached Sergeant Ghartey who in turn told me Gota was meant only for the security agencies. I did not speak about this matter again not to talk of sending a message to Dr Mac-Palm telling him that we needed a jamming equipment to jam all radio stations except one which would be used to announce the takeover," he explained.
He said his records on his interrogation was not presented in court because it did not support the prosecution's claim against him.
He said he was deceived by an investigator to append his signature to a statement written by the investigator under the guise that he would be set free, only for him to be locked up after signing it.
Zikpi have been charged together with Donya Kafui, Bright Alan Debrah, Colonel Samuel Kojo Gameli, WOII Esther Saan, Corporal Sylvester Akankpewu, Lance Airforce Corporal Ali Solomon and Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr Benjamin Kwasi AAgordzo.
They are facing varied charges including conspiracy, high treason and abetment.
Latest Stories
-
GH¢38.99bn flagged by Auditor-General, but only GH¢12.72bn recovered – PAC Vice Chairman
24 minutes -
Davis Opoku proposes AI auditing, contract portal to strengthen public financial accountability
31 minutes -
We’ve signed $5.5bn with co-development partners to transform Ghana’s economy, 1.7m jobs to be created – 24-Hour Economy Secretariat
39 minutes -
Kumasi-Anwomaso power upgrade to more than double transmission capacity – Energy Minister
44 minutes -
Italy–Ghana Water Technology Workshop boosts partnerships to improve water sector solutions
47 minutes -
Terry Yegbe helps Lech Poznan to Polish Super Cup win
47 minutes -
Temporary power interruptions unavoidable during Kumasi-Anwomaso upgrade – Jinapor
1 hour -
NCA invites applications for 5G license
1 hour -
BoG’s own answers validate Bawumia’s gold reforms – Oppong Nkrumah
1 hour -
AGRA Food Security Monitor shows a mixed picture for Ghana’s food markets
2 hours -
Public confidence is Supreme Court’s greatest asset — Chief Justice
2 hours -
Asiedu Nketiah’s tours were to strengthen NDC, not campaign for presidency – Mustapha Gbande
2 hours -
24-Hour Economy about productivity, not round-the-clock work – Goosie Tanoh
2 hours -
GNFS intensifies fire safety campaigns across Eastern Region communities
2 hours -
Wontumi acted within NPP election rules, not against party leadership – Campaign Secretariat
2 hours