Five members of the Homeland Study Group, who have been fighting for the secession of the Volta Region of Ghana, have been sentenced to five years in prison each, with hard labour, by an Accra High Court.
Ebenezer Gblorkpor, the first accused person, was found guilty and convicted on three counts in court on Tuesday, March 21.
Afetorgbor Kpogo, the second accused, was found guilty and convicted of attending meetings of a prohibited organisation in violation of Section 2(1)(b) of SMCD 20.
Joseph Nyamewu, the third accused, Wisdom Kuvor, the fourth accused, and Israel Bessah Kpexor, the fifth accused, were all found guilty and convicted on two counts.
Andrew Kudzo Vortia, a lawyer for the accused, asked the court to consider the number of days spent in custody during the trial.
Derrick Ackah, Assistant State Attorney, argued that the convicts attacked two police stations, blocked roads, and assaulted police officers.
Following consideration of both submissions, presiding judge Mary Yanzuh sentenced the quintet to 5 years in prison for each count of offence, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The following charges were brought against the accused under SMCD 20:
Count 1: Attending meetings of a prohibited organisation contrary to Section 2(1)(b) of SMCD 20.
Count 2: Making contributions to the funds of a prohibited organisation contrary to Section 2(1)(g) of SMCD 20
Count 3: Participating in the campaign of a prohibited organisation contrary to section 2(1)(d) of SMCD 20.
Count 4: Being a member of a prohibited organisation contrary to section 2(1)(i) of SMCD 20.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
