Contrary to claims that the government failed to gather actionable intelligence on the recent secessionist resurgence in the Volta Region, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has said intelligence gathered by state security agencies helped to mitigate the attacks launched by the Homeland Study Group Foundation on Friday, 25 September 2020.

According to him, members of the Volta separatist group have been on the watch list of the security agencies.

Addressing journalists in Accra on Sunday, 27 September 2020, Mr Nkrumah noted that the government is taking steps to adequately deal with threats from the separatist group.

The “government is taking steps to deal with threats of succession expressed by a group in the Volta Region and, in particular, the events of Friday, September 25, 2020.

“Now, in recent months, the activities of this group have gained notoriety even as the government has been responding with appropriate force and the rule of law.

“The events on Friday morning have been, as of now, contained by the security agencies.

“Efforts are also underway to contain our standing threats from this group,” he said.

HSGF blocked roads and hoisted their flags, as parts of agitation for independence from Ghana.

Mr Nkrumah condemned the act and called on all traditional, religious and political institutions to join hands to help combat the separatist activities,t even as the government initiates measures to bring the situation under full control.

“We continue to encourage all well-meaning Ghanaians, especially traditional, religious and political groups, to express solidarity with the Republic and join in the efforts of holding the one-nation agenda while condemning these unfortunate developments.

“Now, while the security agencies maintain a presence to avert any further developments, it will also be important to, in the coming days, provide more education, for example, on the false basis for which the persons who are leading these exercises sort to mobilise support.

“Key actors who have been identified as ultimately responsible for these events are also on the watch list of the security agencies and actually wanted at this point in time.

“In the coming days, the security agencies would, I think, be publishing some of the photographs and identities of persons who they are on a man for.

“Residents of these areas are encouraged to remain calm and to go about their daily lives without fear,” he added.