Western Togoland Rebellion

Western Togoland Rebellion
Western Togoland (purple) within Ghana
Date 1 September 2020 – present[1] Location former British Togoland, Ghana Status Ongoing
Belligerents
Ghana Ghana Armed Forces Minister for Defence	Western Togoland Restoration Front
Commanders and leaders
Nana Akufo-Addo Dominic Nitiwul Obed Akwa William Azure Ayamdo	Togbe Yesu Kwabla Edudzi[1] Akplaga Sogbolisa[1] Akplaga Seyram Matts[2]
Strength
unknown	c. 500–6,700 (WTRF claim)[1][2][3]
Casualties and losses
1 killed, 1 injured, 3+ captured	1+ killed 113+ captured
At least 6 civilians killed[4]

The Western Togoland Rebellion is an ongoing separatist revolt led by the Ewe nationalist organization Western Togoland Restoration Front (WTRF) against the government of Ghana. The group seeks the independence of former British Togoland.^[5]

The Ewe make up most of the support for the independence movement and mainly inhabit the southern part of Western Togoland, especially around the cities of Ho, Kpandu, and Hohoe. Consequently, in the centre and northern areas of Western Togoland, where there is less of a presence of Ewes, support for independence is much more limited.^[6]

The independence movement can be traced back to the colonial era, with Ewe-dominated organizations such as the Togoland Congress campaigning for the unification of the Ewe people in British Togoland and French Togoland. More recently, groups such as the Homeland Study Group Foundation, a member of Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, have advocated for Western Togoland independence. The WTRF is the first of these organizations to revolt against the Ghanaian government.^[6]

Background

Main article: Togoland

Further information: 1956 British Togoland status plebiscite

Pre-Integration with Ghana

During World War I, the Allies conquered German Schutzgebiet Togoland and divided the country into British Togoland (Western Togoland) and French Togoland (Eastern Togoland). The British Togoland territory had been a League of Nations mandate, then a United Nations Trust Territory under British control.^[6]

In 1954, the British government informed the UN that it would be unable to administer the Trust Territory after 1957. In response, in December 1955, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution advising the British government to hold a plebiscite on the future of British Togoland.^[6]

Results of the plebiscite by local council

On 9 May 1956, this plebiscite was held under UN supervision and gave two alternatives to the people: union with soon-to-be Ghana or continuation as a Trust Territory until neighbouring French Togoland had decided upon its future. A third option, independence, was not listed. The Ewe-based Togoland Congress campaigned against integration with Ghana and preferred amalgamation with French Togoland, with the aim of forming a single, Ewe-majority country. The eventual result was reported to be 58% in favour of integration, although in the southern part of the territory, where the Togoland Congress had campaigned vigorously, 55% of voters had voted for separation from Gold Coast and continued UN Trusteeship.^[6]

Despite concerns over the lawfulness of the referendum and questions about Britain's concerns for the peoples of southern Western Togoland and their will for independence, unification with Ghana as an administrative region became a reality and in 1956 British Togoland was incorporated into Ghana.^[7]

Post-Integration with Ghana

There have been several independence organisations in Western Togoland since the plebiscite including the Togoland Congress and National Liberation Movement of Western Togoland (also known as Tolimo), the latter of the two was declared illegal in the 1970s.^[6]

In 1973, 120 Chiefs of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs who demonstrated their opposition to the extension of the Eastern Region of Ghana into the Volta Region faced a violent crackdown by the military forces.^[7]

In 2017, 7 members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation HSGF were arrested for wearing T-shirts with the inscription "9 May 2017 is OUR DAY Western Togoland", referring to the date when the organisation attempted to declare independence.^[8]

On 5 May 2019, 9 leaders of the HSGF who were calling for the independence of parts of Volta Region were picked up for planning to declare parts of the Volta Region an independent state.^[8]

On 8 May 2019, The Volta Regional Police Command in collaboration with the 66 Artillery Regiment arrested an additional 81 members of the HSGF for their involvement in planning a protest against the arrest of their leaders. 54 of the suspects were arrested aboard a bus whilst entering Ho from Aflao direction. 17 were arrested in the house of the leader of the group, Charles Kormi Kudzordi near the 66 artillery regiment barracks and 10 were arrested at other entry points into the Ho municipality.^[8] They were all later released on bail or let off with a caution.^[9]

On 8 July 2019, Charles Kormi Kudzordzi was airlifted to the capital Accra to stand trial for treason, only for the state to drop the charges along with 8 other leaders.^[9]

On 14 December 2019, WTRF claimed to have about 2,000 Western Togoland military men and women pass from Gorrilla military school.^[2]

The Western Togoland Restoration Front declared the sovereignty of Western Togoland on 1 September 2020. After the declaration, various signs were erected throughout former British Togoland welcoming people into "Western Togoland".^[1]

Timeline

2020

September

On 1 September – WTRF declared the sovereignty of Western Togoland.

On 25 September – The WTRF seized control of an armoury and then proceeding to blockade various roads leading into Ghana's Volta Region. Aveyime and Mepe police stations were also attacked, freeing inmates as well as seizing weapons of the police, shooting and injuring the Divisional Police Commander, the seizure of Police pick-up vehicles amid firing of gunshots. The rebels made off with at least 15 AK47 and 4 pump action guns at Aveyime Police station. two more weapons were taken at Mepe Police Station. They also disarmed the reinforcement team, taking their weapons including the Police Commander's pistol.^[1][10][11]

In response to the attacks on the police stations a joint Military-Police Team, in conjunction with other security agencies deployed to the affected areas and succeeded in apprehending 31 members of the WTRF/. Fire exchanges between the WTRF and the security agencies led to the death of one member of the WTRF and injury to three others.^[12]

According to residents of the town of Juapong, Soldiers allegedly stormed a community where one of the roadblocks were mounted. They raided homes and arrested anyone they suspect of belonging to the separatist group and might have taken part in the roadblock. Those arrested were beaten up and paraded around the roadside. Residents say at least two people who were shot by the soldiers died including a coconut seller identified just as Emmanuel.^[13] Another 3 were found dead in Battor.^[4]

On 27 September – After an emergency meeting by its members in Ho, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs condemn the WTRF violence on 25 September. In a statement which was signed by the Vice President of the House, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, called for the resolution of certain worrying and pertinent issues in connection with the alleged rebel actions, which it said were important for strengthening peace. For instance, the statement sought to know how the group managed to mount billboards and flags without anyone noticing until the billboards were seen only in the morning, in all past cases. The statement sought to know the identities of those arrested following the events of Friday, September 25, amid allegations that innocent bystanders who were observing what was happening were arrested. They also wanted to know the identities of the 2 people killed at Juapong and three killed at Battor. The statement also expressed concern over the inability of National Security to pick up any intelligence on the activities of the WTRF to prevent them or arrest the conspirators.^[14]

On 29 September – Separatists attacked a bus yard belonging to the State Transport Corporation in the city of Ho.^[15][16] Police later arrested some 30 protesters and one civilian was killed in an exchange of fire between the separatists and government forces.^[15] In an attempt to hurt each other's reputation in the upcoming election the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of being behind recent attacks of the WTRF in the Volta Region.^[17] In return Nana Obiri Boahen, the Deputy General Secretary of the NPP said that majority of the members of the WTRF belong to the NDC.^[18]

On 29–30 September – Police arrested 5 WTRF separatists who attacked the police stations on 5 September with 20+ other separatists.^[19]

On 30 September – The HSGF denied allegations that it attacked the State Transport Company yard in Ho.^[20]

October

On 2 October – Security forces in Ghana arrested 60 separatists who are allegedly members of the WTRF.^[21] Due to the attacks by the WTRF the Ghanaian government granted autonomy to the town of Alavanyo.^[22]

On 4 October – Police arrested 17 suspected WTRF separatists. 14 AK-47 rifles, 3 pump-action guns, 1 pistol, a shotgun, and some other weapons were also retrieved.^[17]

On 6 October – The leader of the HSGF, Charles Kwame Kudzordzithe, strongly condemned the violence on all sides and recalls Ghanaian authorities for peace talks.^[23]

On 9 October – People loyal to the WTRF attempted to blockade various roadways throughout the Volta Region and Greater Accra Region.^[24]

On 10 October – Security officers cleared sand on the road that was placed by the WTRF to avoid any inconveniences to motorists.^[24]

On 13 October – A shared video on social media claims Western Togoland secessionist are training 4,300 military men to take over what they claim is their country as soon as possible. According to the leader of their military wing, their military wing is called the Dragons, and they have been training in a nearby country, most likely Togo. They also claim they are not rebels or militants. They are fully trained military men.^[3] They also sent a note of caution to Energy Minister John Peter Amewu, Volta Regional Minister Archibald Yao Letsa and the MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, saying "We're giving you, John Peter Amewu, Archibald Letsa Yao, Okudzeto Ablakwa, prior notice. The Dragons, together with Gorillas, will enter the land after 21 days to claim the state. The Gorillas, together with Dragons, are merging to deliver their motherland, Western Togoland."^[25] The group further appealed to the chiefs and leaders of the various communities in the Volta Region, not to be deceived by anyone who offers them money, in cedis or naira, to work against their mission.^[25]

According to the Institute for Security Studies analyst, Andrews Atta-Asamoah, it's doubtful the secessionist have over 4,000 men and it's more likely the video was meant to serve a propaganda purpose.^[6]

November

On 30 November – soldiers from the Ghanaian Armed Forces were deployed to the Volta Region ahead of the 2020 presidential election on December 7.^[26]

December

On 17 December – a fake lawyer representing the Western Togoland separatists has been arrested.^[27]

On 22 December – 30 alleged separatists were arrested after the Accra Circuit Court had discharged.^[28]

2021

January

February

On 4 February – Unidentified armed men clashed with a police patrol in Kwaebibirem District, Eastern Region. One policemen was killed and another wounded. The police patrol was dispatched there to respond to a robbery attack and road blocking.^[29]

April

On 13 April – 3 officers were arrested for separatist views about Western Togoland.^[30]

2022

January

On 10 January – 6 separatists were arrested for planning to attack a Bank of Ghana office in Hohoe.^[31]

April

On 6 April – Ghanaian authorities had increased security alert levels due to concerns of attacks by separatists.^[32]

2023

A few isolated incidents of violence occurred.

2024

In 2024, Western Togoland groups urged a boycott of the 2024 Ghanaian general election.^[33]

International reactions

• Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization – The UNPO called for dialogue and non-violence in Western Togoland.^[34]
•  United States – The US embassy for Ghana advised citizens to avoid travel to the Volta Region until the security situation is resolved.^[35]

See also

• Anglophone Crisis – An ongoing separatist revolt in former British Southern Cameroons, which was dissolved in a manner similar to British Togoland.

References

1. "Ghana's Western Togoland region declares sovereignty | DW | 25.09.2020". Deutsche Welle.
2. "About 2000 Western Togoland Military Personnel Allegedly Pass Out Successfully". GhGossip. 2019-12-16. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
3. "Western Togoland Secessionist Group Are Training 4300 Military Men To Take Over Their Land". GhGossip. 2020-10-13. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
4. "Volta chiefs condemn separatist group; bemoan disrespect by political leaders". GhanaWeb. 2020-09-30. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
5. ISSAfrica.org (2020-11-06). "Are Africa's borders sacrosanct? Ghana's Western Togoland crisis". ISS Africa. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
6. "Western Togoland, Africa's (not so) new secessionist tension". Nationalia (in Catalan). 2023-06-08. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
7. "UNPO: Western Togoland". unpo.org. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
8. "81 More Western Togoland Independence 'Fighters' Arrested". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
9. "Ghana drops treason charges against separatists". The East African. 22 August 2020. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
10. Journalist, Eric Nana Yaw Kwafo. "Order National Security, Defence And Interior Ministries To Show More Commitment — STRANEK-Africa To Akufo-Addo". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
11. "Detailed account of how Western Togoland group staged successful attacks in Volta Region". GhanaWeb. 2020-10-04. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
12. MENAFN. "Ghana security forces say separatist killed in shootout". menafn.com. Retrieved 2020-10-07.
13. "Ghana: One killed as soldiers raid homes over secessionists attack". Africa Feeds. 2020-09-25. Retrieved 2020-10-07.
14. Noretti, Alberto Mario (2020-10-05). "Ghana: Volta Regional House Chiefs Condemns Western Togoland". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 2020-10-08.
15. "Western Togoland suspected separatists fresh attack for Ghana". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
16. "No govt will heed your 'Western Togoland' demands – Opanyin Agyekum to secessionists". GhanaWeb. 2020-10-02. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
17. "Use political platform wisely – Collins Owusu Amankwah to Asiedu Nketia". www.ghanaweb.com. 2020-10-07. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
18. "Members of Western Togoland group belong to NDC – Obiri Boahen". www.ghanaweb.com. 2020-09-29. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
19. "Western Togoland attacks: Five more arrested for stealing AK 47 rifles". www.ghanaweb.com. 2020-10-04. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
20. "We have no hand in burning of vehicles at Ho STC yard – Separatist group". www.ghanaweb.com. 2020-09-30. Retrieved 2020-10-07.
21. "60 suspected separatists arrested in Volta Region". www.ghanaweb.com. 2020-10-03. Retrieved 2020-10-07.
22. "Ghanaian town will be granted autonomy". Foreign Brief. 2020-10-01. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
23. "UNPO: Western Togoland: Leader of HSGF Strongly Condemns Violence on All Sides and Recalls Ghanaian Authorities for Peace Talks". unpo.org. 2 November 2009. Retrieved 2020-10-07.
24. "Security officers foil attempt by Western Togoland thugs to block Aveyime, Sege roads". GhanaWeb. 2020-10-11. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
25. "Our 4,000-man army dragons will re-claim 'the motherland' in 21 days – Volta separatists warn". www.ghanaweb.com. 2020-10-14. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
26. "Ghana deploys military in the volatile Volta region ahead of election". 30 November 2020.
27. "Fake lawyer representing Western Togoland suspects arrested". GhanaWeb. 2020-12-17. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
28. "Ghana: 30 Alleged Western Togoland Separatists Discharged, Re-Arrested". 23 December 2020.
29. "Eastern Region: Policeman killed in highway robbery". Pulse Ghana. 2021-02-03. Retrieved 2021-02-08.
30. "Western Togoland case: Two Police Inspectors, others detained in NIB custody". GhanaWeb. 2021-04-13. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
31. "Soldiers arrest Western Togoland secessionists on mission to attack Bank of Ghana". Pulse. 2022-01-10. Retrieved 2022-01-06.
32. "Ghana Raises Security Alert Over Possible Attacks". Peace FM. 2022-04-06. Retrieved 2022-01-06.
33. "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
34. "UNPO: UNPO Calls for Dialogue and Non-Violence in Western Togoland". unpo.org. 2 November 2009. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
35. "'Avoid travels to Volta Region until Ghana govment resolve security issues' – United States warn citizens for Ghana". BBC News Pidgin. 2020-09-28. Retrieved 2020-10-14.