Free jailed Western Togoland group members on no condition - Tefle Chief

The paramount Chief of Tefle Traditional Area in the Volta Region, Togbe Nakakpo Dugbaza VIII has appealed for an amnesty for members of the Western Togoland group who have been jailed.

Some five persons were found guilty in March 2023 after a year-long trial in the court over their connection with the controversial separatist group in the Volta region, Homeland Study Group Foundation also known as Western Togoland.

They are currently serving five years with hard labour prison terms each.

During a working visit to the Volta Regional House of Chiefs on Friday (April 19, 2024) by the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Steven Asamoah Boateng, the Minister said the issue of Western Togoland is a "worry to us".

He then called on the traditional rulers to join forces in settling the case.

However, in a response to the Minister, Togbe Dugbaza said the separatist group is not a hidden agenda hence the need to free those serving the jail term.

"The Western Togoland issue is not a hidden agenda anymore so I am pleading that all those who were put behind bars should be released with no condition."

On his part, the minister said he would liaise with the National Security Ministry on the way forward.

He then urged the people of the Volta region to continue to coexist peacefully while authorities find an amicable way to resolve agitations of the separatist group.