The inmates were charged with four charges namely; attending a meeting of a prohibited organization contrary to section 2(1)(b) SMCD 20, making a contribution to the fund of a prohibited organization contrary to section 2 (1) (g) SMCD 20, participating in a Campaign of a prohibited organization contrary to section 2 (1)(d) SMCD 20 and being a member of a prohibited organization contrary to section 2(1)(i) SMCD 20.
Although they pleaded guilty, the court presided over by Judge Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh found Ebenezer Gblorkpor (the first accused) guilty and convicted him on Counts 1, 2 and 4.
The court also found Afetorgbor Kpogo, the 2nd Defendant guilty and convicted on Count 1 while the 3rd – Joseph Nyamewu, 4th – Wisdom Kuvor and 5th – Israel Bessah Kpexor were all found guilty and convicted on Counts 3 and 4, starrfm.com .gh report.
It is reported that a group of accused persons have cases related to the same matter in court.
Reports say the convicts could face punishment ranging from a fine to a maximum of five years in prison.
The Western Togoland Restoration Front (WTRF) is an offshoot of the Homeland Study Group that was formed to push for the secession of the Volta and Oti Regions from Ghana.
In September 2020, the group blocked Aveyime road from Accra and attacked Aveyime and Mepe police stations.
They are also accused of using weapons to defeat the police, release prisoners and steal weapons and ammunition including 13 AK-47 assault rifles, 2 pistols, 5 pump action rifles and a police patrol vehicle.
The Chief Inspector who was part of the police team sent from Sogakope to return and restore peace was shot by members of the group.