An Accra High Court has sentenced two police inspectors to a total of nine years in prison for their involvement with the Western Togoland Restoration Front (WTRF), a secessionist group banned in Ghana.
Billy Akuaku received a five-year prison sentence and a fine of GH¢6,000 for his financial contributions to the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF), another prohibited organization. If he fails to pay the fine, he will serve an additional five months in prison. Gabriel Dorduno was sentenced to four years in prison and fined GH¢3,600. In default of payment, he will serve an additional three months in prison.
The officers were found to be members of the banned organizations between 2018 and 2020. Justice Mary Yanzuh, presiding over the trial, delivered the sentences after finding them guilty.
The court emphasized that the sentences were harsher due to the officers’ positions within the security services, highlighting the need for them to protect rather than undermine the Ghana Police Service and the country.
The prosecution’s case revealed that the National Security Council, acting on intelligence, conducted an operation to identify and arrest WTRF members who had blocked roads and set fire to vehicles on September 25, 2022. Investigations uncovered a WhatsApp group, “SEC ADMI,” used by high-ranking WTRF members, which included the convicted officers.
Further investigation found that both Akuaku and Dorduno were members of HSGF WhatsApp groups “Psalm 21” and “HSGF.” During a search of Akuaku’s residence, eight WTRF membership cards, including one bearing his name, a notebook with financial records, and a list of WTRF executive members were discovered. Dorduno’s residence search yielded a WTRF membership card, a notebook labeled “Funeral Contribution,” and a mobile phone.
Akuaku admitted his HSGF membership and financial contributions during interrogation. Dorduno acknowledged owning the notebook but denied ownership of the WTRF membership card. Records showed that Akuaku contributed GH¢10 monthly for two months and made additional contributions of GH¢150, while Dorduno contributed GH¢100 to HSGF.
