An Accra High Court has sentenced five members of the Homeland Study Group, who have been fighting for the secession of the Volta Region of Ghana, to give years in prison with hard labour.
The Group wants Western Togoland to be declared an independent country.
In court on Tuesday, March 21, the 1st accused person, Ebenezer Gblorkpor, was found guilty and convicted on three counts.
The 2nd accused person, Afetorgbor Kpogo, was found guilty and convicted for attending meetings of a prohibited organisation contrary to Section 2(1)(b) of SMCD 20.
The 3rd accused person, Joseph Nyamewu, the 4th accused person, Wisdom Kuvor, and the 5th accused person, Israel Bessah Kpexor, were all found guilty and convicted on two counts.
The charges preferred against the accused persons under SMCD 20 were:
Count 1: Attending meetings of a prohibited organisation contrary to Section 2(1)(b) of SMCD 20.
Count 2: Making contributions to the funds of a prohibited organisation contrary to Section 2(1)(g) of SMCD 20
Count 3: Participating in the campaign of a prohibited organisation contrary to section 2(1)(d) of SMCD 20.
Count 4: Being a member of a prohibited organisation contrary to section 2(1)(i) of SMCD 20.
Lawyer for the accused persons Andrew Kudzo Vortia prayed the court to take into consideration the number of days spent in custody during the trial.
“They’ve spent 2 years and 7 months in custody. Youthfulness of convicts. They’re in their prime of their life. All below 35 years. Have a lot of life to live.”
But the Assistant State Attorney, Derrick Ackah, argued that the convicts attacked 2 police stations, blocked roads and attacked police officers.
After considering both submissions, presiding judge Mary Yanzuh sentenced the quintet to 5 years for each count of offense with the sentencing expected to run concurrently.