Two Police Inspectors Jailed For Involvement With Banned Secessionist Group In Ghana

An Accra High Court has sentenced two police inspectors to a total of nine years in prison for being part of the Western Togo Restoration Front (WTRF), a banned secessionist group in Ghana.

Billy Akuaku was sentenced to five years in prison and fined GH¢6,000 for his involvement with the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF).

Gabriel Dorduno, who also contributed financially to the HSGF, was sentenced to four years in prison by the same court, which also fined him GH¢3,600.

Both inspectors were members of these banned groups between 2018 and 2020.

Judge Mary Yanzuh found them guilty at the end of their trial.

The charges included membership in the WTRF and HSGF and making financial contributions to these banned organisations.

The court said it imposed harsh sentences because the offenders were part of the security services and had leaked information, undermining the Ghana Police Service and national security.

The prosecution explained that the National Security Council, acting on intelligence, identified and arrested members of the WTRF who, on September 25, 2022, had blocked the Juapong and Sogakope highway and set two STC vehicles on fire, Ghana News Agency (GNA) reported.

According to the prosecution, further investigations revealed that members of the WTRF used WhatsApp groups like “SEC ADMI” to discuss security issues, and some members, including the accused, were part of these groups.

Akuaku was arrested on March 7, 2021, and a search of his residence uncovered eight WTRF membership cards, financial records of WTRF members, and a list of executive members. At Dorduno’s residence, a WTRF membership card, a notebook labelled “Funeral Contribution,” and a mobile phone were found.

Dorduno was later instructed to report to the CID headquarters, where he was arrested on April 8, 2021. During interrogation, Akuaku admitted to being a member of the HSGF. Dorduno acknowledged owning the notebook but denied owning the WTRF membership card.

Records showed Akuaku made contributions to HSGF, and both Akuaku and Dorduno were found to have financially supported the group.

The Western Togoland Restoration Front (WTRF) is an offshoot organisation from the Homeland Study Group Foundation based in the stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). It seeks the secession of the Volta and Oti regions from Ghana.

In 2020, the group was accused of attacking police stations and blocking roads as part of its efforts to create an independent state near the Togo border.

In March 2024, a Ghanaian court sentenced four people, including a police officer and military personnel, to a total of 17 years in prison for their involvement in an illegal separatist organisation.

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