An Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekueh Nyanzuh, has sentenced four executive members of the Western Togoland Restoration Front (WTRF) to a cumulative jail term of 17 years. The accused individuals, which included police and military officers, were found guilty of various charges related to their involvement with the prohibited organization.
Michael Koku Kwabla Amertornu Gohey, also known as Togbe Yesu Edudzi and a founder of the WTRF, received a five-year imprisonment sentence along with a GH¢12,000 fine, with an additional one-year imprisonment term in default. Three other accused persons, namely Nene Kwaku Agblorm II, WOI Emmanuel Afedo, and Lance Corporal Abednego Dzreke Mawena, each received four years of imprisonment and were fined GH¢4,800 each, facing three months of jail time in default.
The court's decision followed a full trial where the accused individuals were charged with offences such as being members of a prohibited organization, summoning meetings of a prohibited organization, attending meetings of a prohibited organization, and making contributions for the benefit of a prohibited organization.
During the trial, Mr Andy Vortia, who represented three of the convicts, pleaded for mitigation, citing the time his clients had already spent in custody. He urged the court to consider imposing minimal fines given the circumstances. Additionally, he highlighted the health condition of Lance Corporal Mawena, who had been suffering from a stroke during his four-year incarceration, advocating for a fine to enable him to reunite with his family.
In response, the prosecution, led by Mr. Joshua Sackey, Senior State Attorney, urged the court to impose deterrent sentences to serve as a lesson for individuals with similar intentions. Mr. Sackey emphasized the failure of the two security officers among the convicts to uphold their oath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the State.
The court, in delivering the sentences, acknowledged the prosecution's evidence depicting the activities of the WTRF, which aimed at secession from Ghana. The organization's actions included blocking roads, attacking police stations, and freeing inmates from custody.
The Western Togoland Restoration Front, a splinter organization from the Homeland Study Group Foundation, sought to establish a sovereign state covering parts of Ghana. Investigations revealed that the WTRF was formed following the arrest of Charles Kwami Kudzordzi, also known as Papavi Hogbedetor, the founder of the Homeland Study Group Foundation.
The court's ruling underscores the seriousness with which Ghana treats activities aimed at threatening national security and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for individuals involved in such prohibited organizations and activities.