They were arrested last week and accused of plotting to target the presidency with the aim of taking over government.

The ministry of information said several weapons were found during a raid.

At a court in the capital, Accra, the three suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit crime as well as illegally manufacturing firearms and explosives.

Given that they are accused of plotting to overthrow the government, some Ghanaians are questioning why treason was not mentioned in court: a crime that carries the death penalty.

The government says further charges could be added later.

The ministry of information says when Ghana’s security agencies carried out the raid on Friday they retrieved several weapons including five locally manufactured pistols, improvised explosive devices and ammunition.

Some senior military officers have also been arrested for their involvement in the alleged plot.

A lawyer for the suspects has dismissed the accusations as a ploy to divert attention from “harsh economic realities in the country”.