For Immediate Release

Accra, 2nd October, 2020                  

GOVERNMENT OF GHANA MUST BE DECISIVE IN DEALING WITH SECESSIONIST GROUPS

The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) makes reference to the violent activities of the secessionist group, Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) known agitating for an independent Western Togoland over the past few days. This follows reports about violent actions suspected to be carried out by HSGF beginning the dawn of Friday 25 September 2020 in the areas of Juapong, Sogakope, Aveyime, Mepe and Akuse.

FOSDA condemns without reservation, the violence believed to be perpetrated by HSGF and other related groups claiming the independence of Western Togoland. What has happened over the past few days is a threat to the peace and security of Ghana. Such acts are tantamount to terrorism and should not be tolerated, especially less than 3 months into the general elections which is already characterised by very high tensions.

The activities of the so-called HSGF and related groups disrupted business operations and general movement of people in the country due to the roadblocks mounted on the Juapong–Accra and Sogakope–Accra main roads last Friday; the attacks at the Aveyime and Mepe police stations and subsequent freeing of inmates and stealing of assault rifles and shotguns has heightened fear and panic in the affected communities; again the attack at the North Tongu District Assembly and assult on the Tongu Divisional Police Comander, Dennis Fiakpui is equally condemnable.

FOSDA is worried that the security agencies could not gather adequate intelligence to forestall these acts. About 5 different related violent acts was orchestrated within the short period of 5 days, without any obvious attempts by the security to foil them.

The latest attack on the State Transport Corporation (STC) in the Volta Regional capital, Ho, and burning of one of its buses is an indication that these acts of violence the so called secessionist groups are gaining grounds if Government and the security agencies do not act decisively to curtail their actions.  

We join hands with well-meaning Ghanaians to condemn the violence and attacks by the HSGF and related groups. We would also take this opportunity to sympathize with the families of those who have lost loved ones as a result of these disturbances.

The activities of these secessionist groups are completely illegal and as such the appropriate criminal justice authorities must deal with them according to the laws of the country.

Importantly, FOSDA urges the Government of Ghana to be decisive in dealing with this matter to forestall worse actions and violence in the interest of the peace and security of Ghana. We also urge Government to hold consultations with all stakeholders concerned to find long term solutions this issue. Most importantly we urge the Government to adequately resource peace promotion institutions such as National Peace Council and National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to engage in peace-building activities that will bring calm to the affected areas and the Nation at large. It is imperative for government to involve civil society organisation its effort to address this issue.  

FOSDA encourage all stakeholders to use the negotiation table more just as the predecessors  to avoid any further violence.

God bless our homeland Ghana!

Theodora W. Anti

Programmes Manager

Contact No. 0205336268

Email: Theodora@fosda.org