Members of the separatist group in the Volta Region say they are not responsible for the attack at the State Transport Company (STC) yard in Ho on Monday.

This according to the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) is because their campaign for independence is without violence.

In a post on Facebook to express their displeasure, the group accused external forces of perpetrating violence to smear their peaceful campaign.

"We said it time without numbers that the campaign for our rights of citizenship which is being questioned continuously by some section of Ghanaians will be without violence," part of the post read.

The clarification follows various media reportage alleging that the secessionists in the Volta Region had launched a second attack on some state properties.

The armed men, believed to be members of the group, stormed the STC yard amid firing of gunshots before proceeding to beat up two drivers.

After various threats, an STC bus was burnt to the ground while another was partially damaged.

But condemning the act, the group said, such violence goes against their 'working documents'.

They also called on the government to release members who have been in detention since 2019.

Background

The Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) led by 85-year-old Komi Kudzordzi, announced its separation from Ghana on their official social media handles on Saturday, November 16, after a group meeting was held in Ho.

This followed various advocacies for the independence of former Western Togoland made up of Volta Region, Oti Region and parts of the North East Region, Northern Region and Upper East Region.

The region was a German colony but at the end of World War I, it was split in two and the Eastern side ceded to France and is present-day Togo.

The Western side was a British protectorate and voted in a plebiscite in 1956 to join Ghana which was about to be granted independence by Britain.

The Homeland Study Group Foundation argues that the agreement to join Ghana included forming a union in 50 years.

They claim the said union was never formed so since 2007, the group has been championing separation from Ghana.

Some leaders of the group were subsequently arrested and charged with treason while other members were released.