The leader of the secessionist Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF), Charles Kudzordzi, was yesterday arraigned on a charge of prohibited organisation.
The plea of the frail octogenarian was not taken at the Ho Circuit Court.
The accused, also known as Papavi, was grant bail in the sum of GH¢80,000 with two sureties resident in Ho.
He could barely walk without assistance from an aide, as he turned up in court.
The prosecution did not oppose to the bail, saying it took into consideration the health condition of the accused.
Senior State Attorney, Moses Asampoa, told the court presided over by Mr Felix Datsomor that on November 16, 2019 at about 11: 00 a.m. the accused led other members of the HSGF to hold an event “Ho-Moleme,” where Kudzordzi declared independence for the Volta Region.
The court heard that the declaration was witnessed by a crowd of about 100 people. According to the prosecution the new ‘state’ was to be known as Western Togoland Republic.
Prior to that, the prosecution said, members of the group had taken part in several lawless activities in pursuit of their secessionist motive.
In some instances, members of the group held clandestine meetings in church premises and in private properties, the court was further told.
Soon after the independence declaration event, 10 members of the group were picked up by the security agencies and are now standing trial at the law courts.
They are Peter Godsfriend Edem; Mkpe-Tornyi Kudzo; Kofi Agbeko; Richard Agbenu and George Nyakpo.
The rest are Agbenyegah Akudzi; Ibrahim Tofa; Euphemia Gborgbortsi; Stephen Arku and Coach Mawuko Ekpoh.
Kudzordzi was arrested recently in Ho after more than a year on the run.
Hearing continues on August 10.
FROM ALBERTO MARIO NORETTI, HO
