The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is urging media practitioners not to use their medium to promote secessionism in Ghana.

According to the association, “Whilst respecting the rights of all Ghanaians to express their inalienable rights and legitimate concerns, the media must be mindful of the constitutional order and desist from reportage that undermines the sovereignty of Ghana and threatens its peace and security as we approach elections in December.”

The GJA in a statement issued and signed by its President, Roland Affail Monney on Monday, September 28, 2020, urged the leadership of Ghana and all stakeholders to cooperate, assist and facilitate a resolution of the agitation.

Background

The Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF), a group championing the secession of parts of Ghana along the border with Togo, declared independence for the territory they call 'Western Togoland' on November 16, last year.

The leader of Western Togoland independence, Charles Kormi Kudzodzi, announced the separation of Western Togoland from Ghana after a meeting in the Volta Regional capital, Ho.

After that announcement, some members of the group were arrested after they were alleged to have engaged in activities to champion the cause of the group.
On December 30, 2019, the Northern Regional Police arrested 18 people suspected to be part of the separatist group.

Members of group last Friday dawn blocked some roads in the Volta Region of Ghana. The police in a message on social media urged commuters to and from Accra to Ho, Aveyime, Adidome, Mepe, Akuse, Sogakope and Aflao to exercise caution as they were likely to experience traffic due to security operations within those areas.