Security agencies in Ghana have joined forces to run two operations in the Volta Region aimed at countering the activities of the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF).
A statement signed by the 7 Garrison Public Relations Officer, CV Annang, on behalf of the Commanding Officer, stated that the 66 Artillery Regiment based in Ho, the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the Defence Intelligence (DI) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra launched operations in the Hohoe Municipality to counter activities of the HSGF.
The first operation conducted in Wli Todzi led to the arrest of two persons namely Stephen Anyidoho, a construction labourer aged 30 and a native of Dzodze and Brain Todoko, an artist aged 40 and a native of Wli Todzi.
The second operation happened in Gbledi Kyebi, Fodome Helu and Kwadzato all in the Hohoe Municipality where 15 suspects were arrested pending investigation.
The PRO also added that all persons arrested during the operations have been handed over to the police for further investigations.
CV Annang also used the opportunity to assure citizens that the security services will ensure the peace and safety of all people in the country and encouraged people with information to come forward.
Read the full statement below:
The upsurge of the self-styled ‘‘Homeland Study Group Foundation’’ (HSGF) activities in the Volta Region in recent times, threatens the security of the Volta and Oti Regions in particular and Ghana as a whole.
The group’s demand for a semi-autonomous region for the so-called ‘‘Western Togoland’’ violates the constitution of Ghana.
On 16 November 2019, the group declared their independence to cover the Volta, Oti, parts of the Northern, North East and Upper East Regions.
This incident coupled with the unlawful activities of this secessionist group necessitated the conduct of operations to maintain the unity and stability of Ghana.
To this end, the 66 Artillery Regiment based in HO, the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the Defence Intelligence (DI) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service Accra have conducted 2 Separate Counter Insurgency Operations (COIN) within the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region to counter activities of the Western Togoland Secessionist group.
The first operation which was conducted from 0300 hours to 0535 hours on Saturday 21 December 2019 at Wli Todzi led to the arrest of two (2) persons namely Stephen Anyidoho, a construction labourer aged 30 and a native of Dzodze and Brain Todoko, an artist aged 40 and a native of Wli Todzi.
The two are suspected to be close associates of one Mr Hope Mortey also known as “Spider”, who is believed to be a key member of the HSGF and suspected to be in charge of a Training Camp at Wli Todzi for Militants of the group.
During the operation, one Mr. Clement Todoko, a BNI operative with the Hohoe BNI Division who is suspected to be an informant and spy for Mr Hope Mortey engaged the troops in a heated argument and tried obstructing them from performing their Lawful duty.
He argued that the 2 suspects were close associates or “his men” therefore the troops should release them to him but the troops professionally refused.
The second operation took place on Sunday 22 December 2019 between the hours of 0200 hrs and 0430 hours around Gbledi Kyebi, Fodome Helu and Kwadzato all in the Hohoe Municipality. This operation also led to the arrest of 15 suspects.
Items seized during the operation included Western Togoland Branded Shirts, Berets, Flashlights, Boots, Police Belts, Flags of Western Togoland, a Cheque Book and a list containing items needed for training.
All those arrested and the items seized are currently in the custody of the Ghana Police Service for further investigations.
The General Public is therefore asked to remain calm and be assured that the Security Agencies are in firm control of the situation and will deal with any individual or group found to be actively engaged or associated with the said HSGF or any other Secessionist Group.
The General Public is also advised to be wary of any group(s) or individuals who collect money from them with the promise to train them and give them lucrative working conditions.
The Media is also urged as much as possible not to give a platform to the group to spread its illegal activities.
Finally, it is requested that the Public provide information on individuals or activities of the Group to the Security Agencies for prompt action.
