Four members of the Western Togoland Restoration Front (WTRF), have been sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison by an Accra High Court.
The convicts were found guilty and fined a total of GH¢ 26,400, by the court presided by Mary Ekue Yanzuh, on Tuesday, March 5.
They are Michael Kwabla also known as Togbe Yesu, Nene Kwaku Agblorm, WO1 Emmanuel Hayford Afedo and Abednego Dzreke Mawuena.
The charges against them include attending meetings of a prohibited organization, participating in a campaign of a prohibited organization, making contributions for the benefit of a prohibited organization, accepting contributions for the benefit of a prohibited organization and being a member of a prohibited organization.
The arrests and subsequent trial were a result of intelligence gathered by the National Security Council following an incident on September 25, 2020, where members of the WTRF blocked roads, set fire to vehicles, and attacked police stations in Juapong, Sogakope, Aveyime, and Mepe.
The WTRF is a splinter group from the Homeland Study Group Foundation, intending to secede from the Republic of Ghana.
During the investigation, the accused persons admitted to being members of the WTRF and being involved in its organization and activities, including attending meetings and contributing funds.
Incriminating evidence, such as flags, stickers, and weapons, was found in their possession.
Before sentencing, the trial judge said she took into consideration mitigation from defense lawyers including the numbers of years spent on remand.
Justice Mary Yanzuh, in handing down the sentence said, the punishment ought to serve as a deterrent to others who may have the intention of embarking on such an adventure.