‘Western Togoland’ secessionist leader condemns arrest of his followers
The founder and leader of the yet to be recognised Western Togoland nation has urged the government of Ghana to release some citizens of his who were arrest following the declaration of independence from Ghana.
Looking immaculately dressed and sounding younger than 8oyears, Charles Komi Kudzordzi said in a broadcast message on Youtube that even though declarations such as what he did is mostly associated with war, he wants this to be peaceful.
“I want to the tell the government of Ghana that what has started happening is not the right thing; going round, arresting people in the streets, taking them and locking them up in cells and particularly taking my near 70year old wife and locking her up, no, that is not the right thing,” he said from his hideout on Friday.
He, therefore, called on the international community to prevail on the government of Ghana to stop the injustice being meted out against his subjects “to avoid any possible mayhem”.
Background
The Ho District Court ordered the arrest of the leader of the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF), Charles Kwame Kudzodzi and two others over their unlawful declaration of parts of the Volta Region as a sovereign state.
This was after five other members of the group were put before court for taking part in the activity, AdomNews Mubarak Yakubu has reported.
The five have been charged with treason and have been remanded into prison custody until December 4, after the prosecution told the court that they would be needed to assist with investigations.
Earlier, spokesperson for the police in the Region, Corporal Prince Dogbatse told Adom News the spouse and daughter of Kudzodzi were among some eleven persons arrested for the offence.
The police called for calm among residents of the region and maintained that the Volta Region remains a part of Ghana.
Government’s response
The government of Ghana has served notice to deal according to law with members of the Homeland Study Group, a secessionist group, that declared parts of the Volta region independent of Ghana.
A government statement signed by Information Minister said “Ghana remains a sovereign state which has not ceded any part of its territory to any person or group of persons.
“While admonishing the public to disregard the claims by the group, the general public is hereby informed that state security agencies are taking the necessary measures to ensure that persons involved with the illegal act, are dealt with in accordance with the law,” Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said.