An Accra High Court has sentenced six members of the outlawed Western Togoland Restoration Front (WTRF) to a total of 13 and a half years in jail for their involvement with the group. The court, presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, also imposed fines totaling GH¢15,600 on the convicts. Failure to pay the fines would result in an additional 22 months of imprisonment for each convict.
Gabriel Godfred Govina, Benjamin Gbadago, Cephas Zoddanu, Richard Doglo Ametepe, Cosmos Havor, and Vincent Ramseyer Atsu-Galey were given sentences ranging from six months to three years. They were found guilty on 11 counts of belonging to or supporting a prohibited group in violation of the Prohibited Organisations Act, 1976 (SMCD 20), which carries a maximum punishment of five years.
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Four other individuals—John Gbedemah, Godwin Awudza, Excel Liberty Aheto Kuegbesika, and Divine Nyadzinyor—were acquitted and discharged by the court last month. With the latest convictions, a total of 17 WTRF members have been jailed for their involvement, while several others are still on trial.
Justice Yanzuh described the actions of the convicts and the WTRF as serious threats that could have potentially caused a significant security crisis in the country if not for the swift action of security agencies. She acknowledged that the convicts were first-time offenders and took their ages into account when deciding not to impose the maximum sentence of five years.
According to the prosecution, the WTRF was formed by Michael Koku Kwabla, also known as Togbe Yesu, with the aim of forcibly creating Western Togoland, which would encompass the Volta, Oti, Eastern, and Northern regions. The convicts played various roles in the activities of the WTRF.
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The court heard that on September 25, 2020, WTRF members implemented their plan to protest and engage in acts of civil disobedience. They blocked roads and attacked the Aveyime and Mepe police stations, overpowering the officers, and stealing firearms and ammunition. The group also targeted a police team sent to restore calm, injuring three officers, including Chief Superintendent Dennis Fiakpui.
The prosecution stressed the gravity of the WTRF's actions, including defacing the signboard of the Police Service by erasing the term "Ghana." These criminal acts demonstrate the disruptive nature of the WTRF's activities and their potential to undermine public safety and national security.
The sentencing of the six WTRF members sends a strong message that the government and the judiciary will not tolerate acts of violence or attempts to secede from the country. It affirms the commitment to protecting the rule of law and preserving the unity and stability of Ghana.
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