The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of the Chairman of the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF), Papavi Hogbedetor and his accomplices championing the independence of the Volta Region.

According to a statement issued by the police, it has gathered sufficient evidence from the group it was readying itself for the declaration of its independence on May 8, 2019, with a draft constitution, national emblem and anthem prepared by these persons and others for their supposed country.

It added that activities of the group also include illegally recruiting and training young people in a “militia style” for them to form the core of their supposed country’s armed forces and police force.

The Ghana Police Service is, therefore, holding all eight to assist them in their investigations in the matter which breaches the country’s security.

Read the full text of the statement below;

Eight persons, believed to be leaders of a group called “Homeland Study Group Foundation” which is aimed at seceding from Ghana to declare an independent country called “Western Togoland” out of Ghana have been arrested.

2. They were arrested on Sunday 5th May. 2019 in the course of a meeting to finalise arrangements to declare independent Western Togoland on 9th May, 2019. The arrest was made by a team of all the intelligence agencies in Ghana, including Police and the Armed Forces.

3. Intelligence agencies have gathered sufficient evidence including a constitution, national emblem and anthem prepared by these eight persons and others for their supposed country. Activities of the group also include illegally recruiting and training young people in a “militia style” for them to form the core of their supposed country’s armed forces and police force.

4. Police Administration assures the public that any person who is found culpable of wrongdoing would be dealt with according to law and is therefore urging the public to volunteer information on the group, its leaders and members to police. Persons with information may report to the nearest Police Station or call toll free on 191 or 18555.