Four members of secessionist group, Western Togoland have been sentenced to a total of 17 years for their roles in seeking to break Volta and Oti regions away from the country.
The quartet, Michael Kwabla also known as Togbe Yesu, Nene Kwaku Agblorm, WO1 Emmanuel Hayford Afedo and Lance Corporal Abednego Dzreke Mawuena were also fined a total of 26,400 Ghana cedis by presiding Judge Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh at the Accra High Court on March 5.
Per the charge sheet filed on 15th July, 2021, the accused persons were charged with a total of seven (7) counts contrary to the Prohibited Organizations Act, 1976 (SMCD 20).
In particular, all the accused persons were charged with one count of being members of a prohibited organization contrary to section 2(1)(i) of the Prohibited Organizations Act, 1976 (SMCD 20) and attending meetings of a prohibited organization contrary to section 2(1)(b) of the Prohibited Organizations Act, 1976 (SMCD 20).
In addition, the first accused person, Michael Koku Kwabla Amertonu Gohey aka Togbe Yesu Edudzie, was charged with one count of summoning meetings of a prohibited organisation contrary to section 2(1)(a) of the Prohibited Organisations Act, 1976(SMCD 20) as well as making contributions for the benefit of a prohibited organization contrary to section 2(1)(g) of the Prohibited Organizations Act, 1976 (SMCD 20).
The third accused person, Charles Elo, was further charged with one count of making contributions for the benefit of a prohibited organization contrary to section 2(1)(g) of the Prohibited Organizations Act, 1976 (SMCD 20) and participating in the campaign of a prohibited organization contrary to section 2(1)(d) of the Prohibited Organizations Act, 1976 (SMCD 20). Unfortunately, the third accused person, Charles Elo, passed away during the trial. As a result, his charges in counts 2, 6 and 7 were not considered by the Court.
Conviction
On 5th March, 2024, Michael Koku Kwabla Amertonu Gohey, Nene Kwaku Agblorm II, Dzreke Mawena Abednego and Warrant Officer 1 Emmanuel Hayford Afedo were convicted on count 1 (membership of a prohibited Organization).
Michael Koku Kwabla Amertonu was also convicted on count 3 (Summoning meetings of a prohibited organization).
In addition, Michael Koku Kwabla Amertonu Gohey, Nene Kwaku Agblorm II and Warrant Officer 1 Emmanuel Hayford Afedo were convicted on count 4 (Attending meetings of a prohibited organization).
Dzreke Mawena Abednego and Michael Koku Kwabla Amertonu Gohey were acquitted and discharged on counts 4 and 5 respectively.
Judgement
Michael Koku Kwabla Amertonu Gohey was sentenced to 5 years in hard labour and fined 1000 penalty units equivalent to GHC12,000. Defaulting will lead to a year imprisonment.
The others, Nene Kwaku Agblorm II, Dzreke Mawena Abednego and Warrant Officer 1 Emmanuel Hayford Afedo were sentenced to 4 years in hard labour each and 400 penalty units or GHC4800 each.
Defaulting will lead to 3 months’ imprisonment.