Ghanaian To Be Executed In Indonesia With Eight Other Foreign Nationals For Drug Related Offences

A Ghanaian, Martin Anderson, and eight other foreign national are scheduled to be executed in Indonesia for drug related offences in a few days. 

The nine reportedly belonged to a drug smuggling ring popularly called the ‘Bali Nine’. 

Anderson was arrested in Kelapa Gading in November 2003 for possessing 50 grams of heroin. 

In 2004, he was sentenced to death in a Jakarta court. 

Nine years after their conviction, they are now expected to face firing squad in a few days. 

According to reports, it is unclear exactly when the executions will take place, but the convicts are supposed to be given a 72-hour notice. 

The ‘Bali Nine’ are made up of Ghana, Nigeria, Australia, France, and Brazilian nationals. 

Indonesia is known to have one of the world’s toughest drug laws and it resumed executions in 2013 after an unofficial four-year moratorium. 

Meanwhile, Australia's foreign minister has offered a prisoner swap in a last-ditch attempt to save two Australian men on death row in Indonesia. 

The foreign minister Julie Bishop said she is waiting for a response on the offer to repatriate three Indonesian convicts. 

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were moved yesterday to a prison island where they are due to be executed. 

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he has requested another call to negotiate with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. 

Ms Bishop confirmed that a prisoner swap is among the options being explored in a joint press conference with Mr Abbott.

GBC/BBC