The four-time African champions concluded their Group B campaign with a goalless draw against Togo on Sunday at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.

Heading into the decisive fixture, Ghana needed all three points to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive after suffering a 4-2 defeat to Nigeria in their opening match before settling for a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso.

Despite creating opportunities, the Black Satellites were unable to find the breakthrough against Togo as the match finished 0-0, bringing their disappointing campaign to an end.

Maxwell Konadu’s side finished third in Group B with two points from three matches, having scored three goals and failed to record a victory throughout the competition.

Although their WAFU B campaign ended in disappointment, Ghana have already secured qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations by virtue of being the tournament’s hosts.

The continental championship will form part of activities marking the country’s 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Following the team’s early exit, attention is expected to shift to preparations for next year’s continental tournament, with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) likely to assess both the playing squad and technical team as the Black Satellites seek to build a more competitive side capable of challenging for the title on home soil.

Ghana wrapped up its final training session on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s encounter at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, where the team engaged in tactical drills and finishing exercises under the supervision of Konadu and his technical staff.

The Black Satellites head into the decisive fixture eager to end their campaign on a positive note after managing just one point from their opening two matches.

Ghana began the tournament with a 4-2 defeat to reigning champions Nigeria before showing remarkable resilience to secure a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso.

The team battled for a significant portion of that contest with ten men but still produced a determined display to earn a valuable point.

With progression no longer at stake, Konadu is expected to rotate his squad and hand opportunities to players who have seen limited action during the tournament.

However, the former Ghana international remains keen to field a competitive side capable of claiming all three points against the Togolese.

Despite the disappointing results, the tournament has served as an important developmental exercise for the Black Satellites, who have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations by virtue of Ghana hosting the competition.

The WAFU B Championship has given the technical team the opportunity to evaluate players in a competitive environment, improve team cohesion and expose the squad to high-level international opposition as preparations intensify for next year’s continental tournament on home soil.

A positive result against Togo would provide a timely confidence boost for the young Ghanaian side as they conclude their campaign and shift their attention to the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The emphatic victory completed an 8–0 aggregate triumph for Ghana, who had already taken a 2–0 advantage from the first leg in Togo, underlining their dominance across both encounters.

Backed by a lively home crowd, the Black Maidens wasted no time asserting authority in the return fixture. Juliana Gyekye broke the deadlock in the 13th minute before Zeina Shani struck twice in quick succession to put the hosts firmly in control.

Sekinatu Amadu added a fourth goal before the interval as Ghana went into half-time with a commanding lead.

After the restart, the pressure never eased. Priscilla Mensah made it five in the 77th minute, before Seidatu Wahab completed the rout deep into stoppage time to cap a one-sided contest.

Togo struggled to contain Ghana’s pace, movement, and attacking precision throughout the match, offering little resistance as the hosts dictated proceedings from start to finish.

The result sends the Black Maidens into the second round of qualifying, where they will face Liberia, who progressed via a walkover against Libya.

The next phase of the qualifiers is set for May, with Ghana expected to host the first leg between May 22 and 24 before travelling for the return fixture between May 29 and 31.

Ghana’s U-17 women’s team will host their West African rivals at the Accra Sports Stadium, carrying momentum from their first-leg advantage but refusing to take anything for granted.

In an exclusive interview with Asempa Sports, Darkwa revealed that preparations have been intensified, with the technical team determined to avoid complacency.

“We have intensified our training, and we are not being complacent after the first win. We are ready for the second leg and have no excuse but to win and qualify to face Liberia,” he said.

Despite the positive result in the opening fixture, the coach acknowledged the need for improvement in front of goal, highlighting finishing as a major area of concern.

“We created a lot of chances in the first game, so we’ve worked on improving our finishing ahead of the next match,” he added.

The team has since relocated its training base from Prampram to Accra, a move Darkwa believes has sharpened the players’ concentration.

“We’ve moved from Prampram to Accra to train, and it has helped the team,” he explained.

The squad has also received a timely morale boost following a visit from Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku, whose interaction with the players has lifted spirits within the camp.

“The GFA President visited the team and spoke to the players. It has really motivated them,” he said.

He also reserved praise for his goalkeeper, who impressed on her debut in the first leg.

“The goalkeeper has shown great promise. I was impressed with her performance on her debut,” he noted.

With confidence building and preparations on course, the Black Maidens are determined to finish the job and book their place in the next round of the qualifiers.

The selection reflects a balanced group across all departments, beginning with three goalkeepers: Rahima Abubakari Napari, Belinda Maku Aklie, and Josephine Nyanfule.

In defence, seven players have been called up to provide stability at the back. The group includes Hajara Adams, Rafia Osman, Seraphina Esse Essenam, Janet Amewudor, Gifty Agyeiwaa Senior, Juliana Gyekeyewaa, and Philipa Asana Mannebe.

The midfield is led by captain Seidatu Wahab and features Zeinab Shani, Daniela Abass, Benedicta Nketiah Danso, Sekinatu Amadu, Mavis Yeboah, and Ruth Ayayee, all expected to drive creativity and control in the centre of the pitch.

In attack, Jessica Appiah Asamoah, Cynthia Obinsrewuo, Gloria Ameaa Adomako, Linda Achiaa, and Priscilla Mensah will carry Ghana’s goal threat as they aim to secure qualification.

The squad has already arrived in Lomé and is based at the EL Doria Hotel in Baguida ahead of the match.

The fixture is scheduled for the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Sunday, April 12, with kickoff set for 16:00 GMT.

Squad below:

The tie will be decided over two legs, with the opening encounter scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé. Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm.

The return fixture will take place six days later, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium, where the Maidens will host their West African rivals at 3:30 pm.

The clash forms part of the opening phase of the African qualifiers, as teams across the continent battle for limited slots at the global tournament.

Making a return to the qualification stage after a period away, the Black Maidens will be determined to secure a favourable result on the road before aiming to complete the job on home soil in Accra.

The promising right-back had previously been named in Togo national football team’s squad for upcoming matches against Niger national football team and Guinea national football team, but has now committed to Ghana and is included in the Black Stars’ squad for their pre-World Cup friendlies against Austria national football team and Germany national football team later this month.

Speaking to 3Sports, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum stressed that players are only included in national squads with their full consent and that of their clubs.

“Without a player’s word, I think it would be unprofessional to announce a squad when the player hasn’t agreed, when the club hasn’t agreed. There is that assurance that he would make it,” he said.

“The FA has been engaging him over a long period, and he has agreed to play for us [Black Stars of Ghana],” he added.

Senaya is one of four debutants named in the 26-man squad announced by head coach Otto Addo. Ghana will face Austria at Vienna’s Ernst-Happel-Stadion on March 27 before travelling to Stuttgart to play Germany on March 30.

The Black Stars’ preparations will continue with friendlies against Mexico national football team in May and Wales national football team in early June as they gear up for their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.

Drawn in Group L alongside Panama national football team, England national football team, and Croatia national football team, Ghana will open its campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

Having exited at the group stage in both 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars are aiming for a stronger showing when the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In a press statement issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, the government indicated that the matter will be referred to arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The statement, signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, noted that the decision comes after eight years of negotiations that failed to produce an agreed outcome on the boundary.

Government explained that the move aims to prevent further escalation of tensions arising from recent incidents involving institutions of both countries and to promote an amicable resolution.

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The 31-year-old, who plays for second-tier Chinese side Guangxi Pingguo, collided head-first with an LED advertising panel after being shoved by an opponent during a domestic match on Sunday.

On Monday, Guangxi Pingguo said Asamoah was at risk of “high-level paraplegia” after suffering multiple fractures in his neck and sustaining extensive nerve damage.

Paraplegia is a term used to describe the inability to voluntarily move the lower parts of the body.

The club have since confirmed that Asamoah underwent surgery and is in a stable condition.

“His recovery progress will be announced in due course after follow-up examinations,” the club said.

Chongqing Tonglianglong midfielder Zhang Zhixiong was given a yellow card for shoving Asamoah into the advertising board.

Asamoah, who spent most of his career in Belgium before moving to China in 2024, has six caps for Togo.

Former Arsenal academy striker Billy Vigar died last month after sustaining a “significant brain injury”.

The 21-year-old was injured playing for Chichester City FC in a game in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

It is thought the injury was caused when he collided with a pitch-side concrete wall, but the club has not confirmed this.

The man said they were informed they would be moved from a military camp to better accommodation, but were then “dumped” in Togo. The BBC has approached Ghana’s government for comment.

The US government deported the Nigerian man – along with other West African nationals – as part of its crackdown on immigration.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa previously said the government had accepted the deportees in the spirit of “pan-African empathy”.

The Nigerian, who has requested anonymity for safety reasons, alleged that Ghanaian officers took him and the five other deportees into Togo through a back route. He further claimed that this was done after bribing local police, and without informing Togolese authorities of their entry.

“They did not take us through the main border, they took us through the back door. They paid the police there and dropped us in Togo,” he said.

The Togolese authorities have not commented on the alleged presence of the deportees on their territory.

Four of the group – three Nigerians and a Liberian – then checked into a hotel in Lomé, the Togolese capital, which lies just across the border from where they were abandoned.

With no documents of their own, he said they relied on the hotel staff to receive money from relatives abroad to cover their bills.

“We’re struggling to survive in Togo without any documentation,” he said.

“None of us has family in Togo. We’re just stuck in a hotel,” he added. “Right now, we’re just trying to survive until our lawyers can help us with this situation.”

He said that while in Ghana they had been asking for better living conditions since the environment at the military camp where they were placed was “deplorable”.

“Life there was really hard, so we asked for a better place, better medication, better healthcare and better water,” the Nigerian told the BBC.

He said that days later, immigration officials arrived at the camp, saying they were taking six of them to a hotel for more comfort, but they ended up across the border in Togo.

“When we arrived, we asked what we were doing at the border, and they told us they wanted us to sign some paperwork so they could take us to a hotel, but we didn’t sign anything,” he added.

The Nigerian told the BBC that the language barrier in Togo made it difficult to communicate. Togo’s official language is French, while he spoke English.

He also said that his deportation had affected his family in the US.

“I have a house in the US where my kids live. How am I supposed to pay the mortgage? I don’t know how they’ll manage while I’m gone. My kids can’t see me, and it’s just so stressful,” he lamented.

He said he was a member of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, an activist organisation advocating for a breakaway state in south-west Nigeria for the Yoruba ethnic group.

Although the movement is not banned, it has been in the crosshairs of the Nigerian government, with 27 people arrested last year for being involved in its campaign.

Because of his affiliation with the group, the man told the BBC he fears that returning to Nigeria could lead to his arrest and torture. The Nigerian deportee said he was under a US court-ordered protection that should have shielded him from deportation from the US.

The US has not given the reason for his deportation.

The Nigerian was part of a group of West Africans deported to Ghana last month, which also included nationals of Togo, Liberia and The Gambia.

They had previously been held in a US detention facility before being flown out on a US military plane in shackles, their lawyers said.

The US government’s “third-country deportation” policy has faced criticism, with several countries pushing back against the strategy, including Nigeria.

The deal for Ghana to take in nationals from various West African countries was announced by President John Mahama three weeks ago. He said he had been approached by the US to accept the deportees, and had agreed because there was free movement of people in West Africa.

Foreign Minister Ablakwa has since said Ghana received no financial reward for accepting the deportees.

Opposition MPs have demanded an immediate suspension of the deportation agreement until it is ratified by parliament, but the government has said it plans to accept another 40 deportees.

Lawyers for the deportees have started legal action against both the US and Ghanaian governments, saying their rights were violated.

Source: BBC

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The Starlets faced an early setback when defender Gabriel Denyinah was sent off in the second minute, leaving Ghana with 10 men for nearly the entire match. Despite the numerical disadvantage, captain Joseph Narbi put the team ahead in the ninth minute, finishing off a Mark Aboagye cross.

Togo, however, drew level after the break when Sultan Ganiou converted from the penalty spot, ensuring both sides shared the spoils.

Speaking after the game, Dr. Ogum praised his players for their discipline and composure under pressure.

“Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for almost the entire match, they played to my instructions and were very disciplined. That is the kind of mentality we want to build in this team.”

The coach also singled out skipper Joseph Narbi, who was named Man of the Match, for his leadership and influence.

“Joseph showed great character and leadership on the pitch today. His goal and overall contribution inspired the rest of the team,” the coach added.

Looking ahead, Ogum stressed that the encounter had provided vital lessons for his young side.

“We will go back, review our performance and work on our finishing. We created chances even with ten men, and that shows the potential of this group,” he said.

Ghana will take on hosts Ivory Coast in their second Group A fixture on Tuesday.

The game took a dramatic turn as early as the second minute when Ghana’s defender Gabriel Denyinah was shown a red card, leaving the Starlets with a numerical disadvantage for almost the entire match. Despite the setback, the youngsters showed courage and tactical discipline throughout the encounter.

Skipper Joseph Narbi gave Ghana the perfect start in the ninth minute, finishing off a superb cross from Mark Aboagye to send the fans into wild celebration. The Starlets maintained their shape and composure to protect their slim lead going into halftime.

After the break, Togo were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty, which Sultan Ganiou converted to level the scores. Ghana responded by maintaining their tactical discipline and creating scoring opportunities of their own.

Narbi came close to restoring Ghana’s lead after expertly turning his marker, but Togo goalkeeper Ninkabou Gantin made a brilliant save to deny him. Substitute Mark Kagawa also nearly snatched a winner from a free kick, but his effort was thwarted by the Togolese defence.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Black Starlets earned plaudits from the fans for their resilience, organisation and attacking flair. Skipper Joseph Narbi was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance and leadership on the pitch.

Ghana will next face hosts Ivory Coast in their second group game on Tuesday at the same venue, hoping to build on this spirited display and boost their chances of progressing in the competition.

The Group A clash kicks off later today at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, with the Starlets aiming for a winning start in their bid to qualify for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Having worked with a full squad of 23 players in camp, Narteh Ogum believes the level of competition for starting spots reflects the team’s readiness for the tournament.

“It’s a headache, yes. But for me, it’s a positive headache to have all my players available for selection. It shows the work we’ve put in and the quality we have in camp,” he told the Ghana FA website.

“Everyone is ready to play, and that level of competition is exactly what we need to perform at the highest level,” Narteh Ogum added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

The Black Starlets face Togo later today at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, with kick-off set for 15:00 GMT.

Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s media team, the former Asante Kotoko boss commended his players for their dedication and sharpness in training sessions.

“The boys have responded very well to our training programs and look focused,” Narteh Ogum said.

“We’re confident about our chances against Togo,” he added.

The tournament serves as the qualifying pathway to the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and the Black Starlets are determined to secure a spot on the continental stage.

Gnakadé, the sister-in-law of long-serving leader Faure Gnassingbé, recently called for his resignation and urged the military to stand with the people in ending decades of dynastic rule.

“She was arrested for serious acts, including her recent public appearance inciting the military to rebellion,” a police source told the AFP news agency. Local media reported she was arrested by security forces at her home in the capital Lomé on Wednesday.

Togo has recently been gripped by deadly protests calling for Gnassingbé to resign and release political prisoners.

The protests came amid popular anger and growing weariness with a family-run regime that has been in power for six decades. Gnassingbé, who has led the country since 2005, succeeded his father Gnassingbé Éyadéma, who had ruled for 38 years from 1967.

A new constitutional structure that allowed Gnassingbé to prolong his hold on power while shifting to a new role as President of the Council of Ministers further fuelled the protests.

In May, Gnassingbé was sworn in to the new position, which is the highest office in the government’s executive branch and has no official term limits.

In recent months Gnakadé has written articles criticising Gnassingbé, including calling for him to resign and make way for a “peaceful, inclusive, and national transition”. She has also supported protests against his leadership.

Gnakadé, a widow of Ernest Gnassingbé, the late elder brother of Faure Gnassingbé, served as defence minister from 2020 to 2022.

She was one of the first women to hold such a strategic government position, and her vocal criticism of the government comes as a significant shift.

News of her arrest went viral on social media.

She is currently being questioned by the authorities. Some reports suggest the charges against her are related to alleged connections with exiled opposition figures and attempts to incite disobedience within the armed forces.

One security source told the BBC that there was “general discomfort in the barracks with some people against her arrest, because she helped to improve working and living conditions of soldiers when she was the defence minister”.

Some sources indicate she may be accused of acts that could jeopardise the stability of the military institution.

These allegations would constitute serious offences if proven, and according to judiciary sources, she could face imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years if found guilty.

The coming days are expected to provide more clarity regarding the precise reasons for Gnakadé’s arrest.

On Wednesday, a grouping of opposition parties and civil society group, Touche Pas A Ma Constitution (Don’t Touch My Constitution), condemned her arrest, saying it was carried out by “hooded” security officers “without a warrant”.

“Once again, this is an abuse of power that characterises the regime’s retrograde practices. The aim is to silence a dissenting voice,” it said in a statement.

The group demanded her immediate release without conditions, as well as freedom for all those being detained for their political opinions.

A youth-led movement known as M66 has also given a 72-hour ultimatum demanding her release, warning that they will call for nationwide demonstrations if this is not done.

“Togolese people are fed up with [the] arrests of dissident voices. What is worse is that [Gnakadé] is a former defence minister and the Togolese armed forces are there doing nothing… The movement is not going to give up despite all the threats,” said Mokonzi, one of the M66 leaders.

In June, at least seven people were killed during a crackdown on protests against the Togolese leader, civil rights groups said. The bodies were recovered from rivers in the capital.

The government however denied the deaths were linked to the protests.

Source: BBC

At least five demonstrators have died while confronting official security forces in recent weeks.

But it is not the orthodox political opposition – predictably crushed in local elections last week – that has mobilised frustrated young Togolese people.

Instead, it is musicians, bloggers and activists who have tapped into popular anger and weariness with a regime that has been in power, under the leadership of Faure Gnassingbé or, before him, his father Gnassingbé Éyadéma, for almost six decades.

That outstrips even Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 92, – who has just confirmed his intention to stand for an eighth successive term in elections later this year – or Gabon’s father-and-son presidents, Omar Bongo and Ali Bongo, the latter of whom was deposed in a coup in August 2023.

The lessons of that episode did not escape Faure Gnassingbé, a shrewd and often discreet operator who quickly moved to devise a new constitutional structure for Togo, to prolong his own hold on power while playing down his personal profile, in a bid to defuse accusations of dynastic rule.

He will no longer need to stand for re-election in his own name.

The 59-year-old holds the premiership because his Union pour la République (Unir) party dominates the national assembly – and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, thanks to a constituency map gerrymandered to over-represent its northern heartlands and understate the voting weight of the pro-opposition coastal south.

Gilbert Bawara, Togo’s civil service and labour minister, maintains the 2024 election was above board, with “all the major political actors and parties” taking part.

“The government cannot be held responsible for the weakness of the opposition,” Bawara told BBC Focus on Africa TV last week.

He added that those with a genuine reason to demonstrate could do so within the law, blaming activists abroad for inciting “young people to attack security forces” in an attempt to destabilise the country.

The new constitutional framework was announced at short notice in early 2024 and quickly approved by the compliant government-dominated national assembly. There was no attempt to secure general public approval through a referendum.

A one-year transition concluded this May as Gnassingbé, who had been head of state since 2005, gave up the presidency and was installed in the premiership, a post now strengthened to hold all executive power and total authority over the armed forces.

To occupy the presidency, a role now reduced to a purely ceremonial function, legislators chose the 86-year-old former business minister, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové.

This reshuffling of the power structure was presented abroad by regime mouthpieces as moving from a strong presidential system to a supposedly more democratic “parliamentary” model – in tune with the traditions of the Commonwealth, which Togo, like Gabon, had joined in 2022, to broaden its international connections and reduce reliance on traditional francophone links with France, the former colonial ruler.

The transition to new constitutional arrangements designed to perpetuate Gnassingbé’s rule passed off almost without outside comment from international partners whose attention is currently focused on Gaza and Ukraine rather than Africa.

Nor was there any complaint from fellow leaders in the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), even after Togo held fresh legislative elections just weeks after the new constitution had been promulgated, in flagrant breach of the regional bloc’s protocol on good governance and democracy, which says that after a change of constitution at least six months must elapse before any major election is held.

Badly shaken by the decision of three military-run countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – to quit Ecowas, remaining member governments are reluctant to challenge the behaviour of others in case they follow suit.

But on the streets of Lomé it has been a different matter.

The rapper and regime critic Essowe Tchalla, known by his stage name “Aamron”, released a satirical video calling for the “celebration” of Gnassingbé’s 6 June birthday.

When he was arbitrarily snatched from his home at the end of May by regime security agents and taken to an unknown location, anger surged among young urban Togolese.

Hundreds protested on the streets of the capital on 5 and 6 June and scores were detained by government forces.

The affair took a particularly sinister twist with the discovery that Aamron had been confined to a mental hospital, a measure more reminiscent of the 1970s Soviet Union than West Africa in 2025 – and the subsequent release of a hostage video –style statement in which he was filmed admitting to psychological problems and apologising to Faure Gnassingbé, remarks he has completely disowned after being released without charge.

Meanwhile, late June brought a further wave of street protests, with the security forces confronting youths who had set up burning barricades.

Human rights groups reported widespread random detentions, often of uninvolved passersby, while informal pro-government militia, often armed, roamed the streets in pick-up trucks.

At least five people were killed and two bodies were found in the lagoons north of central Lomé, though whether they had drowned while fleeing arrest or been deliberately killed was unclear.

But it is cultural figures like Aamron – and Honoré Sitsopé Sokpor, a poet known by his alias “Affectio” and jailed in January – who have inspired this latest upsurge in protests. They connect to young popular opinion in a way that conventional politicians cannot.

Indeed, much of the Togolese public appears to have lost faith in the formal political process.

Although the local elections on 17 July passed off quietly, with Unir predictably dominant according to official results, Jean-Pierre Fabre, a leading opposition figure, said there were no other voters in his local polling station when he went to cast his ballot.

Critics see the new constitution as no more than a device to perpetuate the rule of the Gnassingbé dynasty – a regime variously described by West African regional media as a “republican monarchy” and “legalist authoritarianism”.

A leading Togolese human rights activist says popular frustration has reached unprecedented levels.

There have been previous upsurges of mass protest.

In 2017, the churches supported marches demanding reform while a charismatic new opposition figure, Tikpi Atchadam, mobilised young people across the previously regime-dominated centre-north.

In the 2020 presidential election, the regime was taken aback by the strong performance of opposition challenger Agbeyomé Kodjo, who was openly backed by the much-respected 89-year-old former Archbishop of Lomé, Philippe Kpodzro.

Although both men have since died, the political movement inspired by the late cleric remains highly active and is regularly targeted by the authorities.

Now, once again, we are seeing frustration boil over, particularly among young urban Togolese.

With his constitutional revamp to a supposedly “parliamentary” system, Gnassingbé aims to retain full control, yet step his own personality back from the political firing line.

But that particular manoeuvre looks condemned to failure in the face of challenge from creative leaders of popular culture – bloggers, singers and grassroots activists.

On social media, the hashtag #FaureMustGo is now circulating. And recent weeks have seen the launch of a new campaign for change, known as M66, which stands for “6 June Movement” from the date of Gnassingbé’s birthday.

Source: BBC

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr Eze gave a sharp assessment of ongoing unrest in Togo and the growing demand across Africa for accountable governance, especially on issues of term limits and people-centred democracy.

“Africa is witnessing the emergence of a new political dispensation,” Dr Eze declared.
“This is championed by a new generation of leadership. New political cultures are emerging, and new forms of people power.”

He warned that those in power who fail to “read in between the lines… will be on the wrong side of history.”

His remarks come in the wake of recent protests in Togo, where constitutional amendments—widely seen as an attempt to allow President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his rule indefinitely—have sparked widespread opposition.

Dr Eze, a former head of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), argued that these developments are not isolated.

“Even while I was still heading WANEP, post Emmanuel Bombande’s era, we had alluded to that. When Mali happened, we were very clear that there were remaining countries that would soon go in the same direction—and we have been vindicated.”

He noted that over the past decade, new intersectional, intergenerational, and de-tribalised coalitions and pressure groups have emerged across the continent.

He cited movements in Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Sudan, and the Sahel—such as Occupy Parliament, Recall Your MP, Text Your MP, End SARS, and Free Senegal—as examples of non-partisan, non-ethnic mass actions.

“These are not movements built on political ideologies. They are organising around socioeconomic justice, rather than even stolen elections or human rights violations. And they are asking a simple question,” he explained.

According to Dr Eze, the driving force behind this activism is a frustrated generation demanding to reclaim their promised future.

“These are people who have been promised over time that the future belongs to you. They now want to interrogate that future.”

He described this shift as a redefinition of democracy in Africa.

“In my opinion, the reimagination of democracy in Africa can no longer belong to the political elites. The youths are asking critical questions. The women are asking critical questions.”

He stressed that this groundswell is not limited to urban centres.

“It is happening in rural centres as well. They are questioning what democracy is delivering for them.”

Dr Eze insisted that states can no longer dictate the meaning of democracy.

“The states can no longer decide what democracy should deliver to the people. The people are saying, ‘This is what we want democracy to deliver.’”

He identified term limits as a recurring fault line triggering instability in the region.

“To that extent, term limits have always been a very controversial issue and a trigger to most of the political instabilities we have had, at least in West Africa.”

His final warning was emphatic:
“That’s why history does not lie.”

The Togo squad he captained had come under attack while travelling to the team’s base in northern Angola just days before the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

At least one member of the delegation had been shot. Adebayor, dreading he might be next, called his pregnant partner.

“‘Listen, if the baby is a boy, name him Junior Emmanuel. If she’s a little girl, make sure you name her Princess Emmanuella’,” he instructed.

“She [replied] ‘Why? Why? Why are you telling me this??’

“Then they started shooting again and I had to throw the phone somewhere.”

Fifteen years on, that attack on 8 January 2010 still shapes his outlook.

“Since that day, something changed in me,” Adebayor, 40, told BBC Sport Africa.

“I started telling myself: ‘You have to embrace and enjoy every single moment as if it is the last one, because you never know when that is’.

“Cabinda made a huge difference in my life.”

Unaware of a ‘war zone’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Security was tightened in Angola after the attack in Cabinda, and the finals went ahead without Togo

After preparing in Congo-Brazzaville for the finals, the Togolese were travelling into the province of Cabinda, an enclave separated from the rest of Angola by the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tournament rules stated they should have flown into the Angolan capital Luanda and then back north again. The delegation chose the road instead.

The West Africans were given a security escort but the players – instead of sensing any threat – simply made a joke about it.

“It was like a movie the way they dressed,” Adebayor recalled.

“You couldn’t even see their eyes. They had knives, grenades, AK47s, pistols.

“I’m like, ‘Do these people think they are ninjas?’ We didn’t know we were in a war zone.”

The gun attack, launched by separatists who had never accepted the decision of the former colonial power Portugal to integrate Cabinda into Angola, started as they were driving through rainforest.

With their bus driver seriously wounded early on, meaning he could not drive the squad away, a vicious firefight ensued.

It lasted at least half an hour, with third-choice goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale among those shot, being hit in the spine.

“He was wearing a white singlet. He stood up and it was all red,” Adebayor said.

‘I had never seen anyone die’

Eventually, the players were rescued from their pockmarked bus bearing shattered windows and taken to a hospital on the outskirts of Cabinda City.

Riding alongside Adebayor was his personal assistant Stanislas Ocloo, who was working as a media officer for Togo’s football federation.

“He would not stop complaining ‘Oh, my stomach’, but what we were seeing is a small hole like when you get an injection,” the former striker, then a Manchester City player, said.

“When we reached the hospital and carried him on a stretcher, I [said] ‘My friend, you have to be strong. Can you promise me you will try?’

“When the doctor came, he actually said he had two or three bullets through the same hole. So when Stan heard that, he gave up.

“I’m like: ‘No, you have to go through it. The family is waiting for you in Togo. We are all with you’.

“Then I realised the head was not moving anymore.

“I had never seen anybody die in front of me, so I didn’t know how people died.

“So I’m like, ‘Come on, Stan’. I was calling the guy for hours. He wouldn’t respond. So literally, I saw somebody die in front of me.

“You actually see somebody closing his eyes for the last time ever. It’s so, so hard to believe.”

Ocloo was one of the two Togolese delegation members to die that day, with assistant coach Amelete Abalo also fatally shot.

Obilale, meanwhile, has been paralysed below the waist ever since.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: A banner bearing the photos of the two men killed, bearing the message ‘Our thoughts are with you’ was displayed when the squad returned to Lome

Buses, bags and ‘bombs’

Adebayor believes more deaths would have occurred if not for a mix-up at the Congo-Angola border.

When they made their way through the checkpoint, the Togo delegation had been given two buses – one with air conditioning, one without.

By mistake, their kit and luggage had been loaded onto the wrong bus, so the players chose to take the bus without aircon to save time reloading.

It turned into a life-saving decision.

“In the [first] bus, the windows and curtains were closed because of the AC,” Adebayor explained.

“But behind, in the second bus, we opened all the windows and most of the players had their shirts off because it was so hot.

“I think when the attackers saw us, they thought we were the supporters that were following. So they attacked the first bus.

“They exploded that bus. [It] was definitely either a grenade or bomb.”

Dealing with trauma

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Emmanuel Adebayor was back in action for Manchester City just 19 days after the attack, and scored four days on from that against Portsmouth

It did not take long for the Togolese authorities to withdraw the team from the Nations Cup.

A fortnight later, Adebayor had returned to the north of England.

“I will use this platform to say a big thanks to Manchester City, because when I went back, they gave me a psychologist who was every day in my house, telling me how to deal with it,” he said.

“He was always trying to talk to me about something else – the future, nature, life itself – for me to be able to forget about it. And he actually helped me to be another person.”

Despite the counselling, the trauma has not entirely gone away.

“When somebody drops something, which has a similar sound to gunshot, then you remember what happened in 2010,” he said, admitting he also has problems watching action films that feature guns.

“You have to live with it. Even though I went through that difficult moment, today it’s part of my life.”

So is the daughter that Adebayor’s partner gave birth to in June that year.

With her father alive, they chose to name her Kendra.

A contingent comprising 25 players and the technical team departed Ghana on Tuesday morning. While in Togo, the team is set to participate in a series of friendly matches to sharpen their skills before facing Nigeria.

Under the guidance of coach Didi Dramani, the Black Galaxies recently secured consecutive victories in preparatory games against Nania FC and Northern City at the GFA Technical Centre over the weekend.

Ghana is slated to host Nigeria in Accra for the first leg of the qualifiers between December 20 and 23, 2024. The second leg will take place in Abuja shortly afterwards.

Nigeria, notably absent from the last two editions of the continental tournament, will be eager to make a return.

Ghana, on the other hand, triumphed over Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure qualification for the previous CHAN tournament.

The winner of the two-legged encounter will earn a spot in the CHAN 2024 tournament, scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania next year.

The papers, totaling 1,000 dummy ballots per booklet, were seized during a routine monitoring exercise on Tuesday afternoon.

The suspect, identified as Abraham Ahiabu is reportedly the NDC constituency Secretary for Akatsi North.

According to interrogations, Mr Ahiabu claimed he was transporting the dummy ballot papers to Vodome in Togo to conduct voter education.

He further revealed that, he had 20,000 additional dummy ballot papers in his custody.

The seized materials and the suspect have been handed over to Police in Akatsi North for further investigation.

The Akatsi North District Electoral Commission has also received the intercepted dummy ballots to verify their authenticity.

The Ghana Immigration Service has assured the public of continued efforts to curb such illegal activities and promises to provide updates on the case as investigations proceed.

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Promising striker, Jerry Afriyie, scored his third goal of the tournament to give his team the lead in the first half.

However, Togo’s Bourgeous Bouraima equalized in the second half, securing a draw for the hosts.

With this result, the Black Satellites finished at the top of Group A, having achieved one win and two draws in the sub-regional competition.

Coach Desmond Ofei’s team is set to face the second-placed team from Group B in the semi-finals, scheduled for Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Stade Municipal in Togo.

Ghana will be closely monitoring the final results of Group B on Thursday, October 24, 2024, where Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria are all vying for a spot in the last four in a highly competitive group.

The WAFU B U20 Championship serves as a qualification event for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, with only the top two teams earning spots in the tournament.

The 2025 U20 AFCON will also act as a pathway to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, where the top four teams will qualify.

The beans were concealed as crates of minerals were from the Ashanti Region.

The drivers and their mates have since been arrested and currently facing charges.

Smugglers are increasingly using the northern corridors in the Oti Region to transport cocoa beans to neighbouring countries.

To crack down on the syndicates, surveillance has been heightened in the area.

The development comes amidst concerns about smuggling and other cross-border activities through the Oti Region.

Checks by Adom News have revealed a surge in cocoa smuggling in parts of the Oti Region particularly in the Guan District, Kadjebi, Nkwanta North and South Municipality.

The smugglers in their bid to evade arrest now use assorted drinks as concealment to commute through police barriers with their contraband undetected.

Some officials from the Cocoa Board have lamented about the illegal trade that is being facilitated by unscrupulous individuals.

According to them, the surge in cocoa smuggling from Ghana into Togo where the market is unregulated is driven by attractive prices offered by the Togolese buyers.

They have urged all Ghanaians to join the fight against cocoa smuggling by providing information to the security so that it can help protect the country’s cocoa industry.

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Dr. Gnagnon and vice president of the party, Advocate Brice Afatsawo- Kpotor are on a mission to rally international support against the recent constitutional changes in Togo, which they believe undermine democracy and the people’s right to elect their leader.

During a visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Museum in Accra, Dr Gnagnon expressed his disapproval of the new legislation, which grants parliament the power to elect the president, effectively denying citizens their right to vote.

He emphasized that the MTR is committed to promoting peace, socialism, and progress in Africa and is determined to challenge this undemocratic move.

Dr Gnagnon plans to meet with key stakeholders in Ghana, including the National Chief Imam, the Christian Council, and the National Peace Council, to garner support for the Togolese people’s cause. He believes that international pressure can help reverse the constitutional changes and ensure a democratic and inclusive political process in Togo.

The recent constitutional amendments, adopted by Togolese lawmakers on March 25, have sparked controversy and opposition from various quarters. The changes introduce a parliamentary system, where the president will be elected by lawmakers for a single six-year term, without public input. The president’s powers will be significantly reduced, with the president of the council of ministers assuming full authority and accountability for managing the government.

The MTR, launched on February 24, 2024, is a progressive socialist party that prioritizes citizen responsibility, tolerance, social justice, and shared prosperity. As the next elections approach, the party is positioning itself as a champion of political restoration, the rule of law, and human rights in Togo.

By seeking support from Ghana and other international partners, Dr. Gnagnon and the MTR aim to build a strong coalition to challenge the undemocratic forces in Togo and ensure a brighter future for the Togolese people.

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This initiative is aimed at curbing the ongoing smuggling and diversion of imported goods to neighbouring ports, which had been draining the country of millions of cedis meant for rapid development.

Interacting with religious leaders to begin his two-day tour of the Central Region, Dr Bawumia stated, “The Tema port will undergo full automation.”

“We are introducing a new import duty policy that will align the duties at the Tema port with those at the Lomé Port. This policy will benefit our business community by eliminating the need for smuggling.”

He added, “Ghanaian ports will not impose higher duties than those at the Lomé port. This is our stance; we will maintain equal duties as they are our competitors.”

Dr Bawumia highlighted a milestone in Ghana’s history where consumers could conveniently purchase electricity units from their homes or any location without queuing at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) offices.

These initiatives have positioned Ghana as the fastest-growing mobile money market in Africa.

Dr Bawumia outlined his strategy to stabilise the local currency and ensure exchange rate stability through the Bank of Ghana’s gold-purchasing policy, underscoring the significance of price predictability for businesses.

He affirmed, “My government will adopt a business-centric approach to enhance Ghana’s standing as one of the most business-friendly economies globally.”

The NPP flagbearer also disclosed the government’s intention to introduce a Credit-Scoring System for entrepreneurs and individuals by June this year, to lower interest rates on loans, particularly for borrowers with a positive loan repayment history.

He urged the religious leaders to support and vote for him to lead the nation for progress.

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Abraham Senyaglo, a 35-year-old native of Keta, was apprehended on Saturday night while driving a Toyota Hiace Van belonging to the Anlo Traditional Council.

The vehicle was packed with 26 bags of cocoa beans, cleverly concealed in fertiliser sacks to avoid detection.

According to eyewitnesses, the police chase began around 2200 hours on the Adomi-Atimpoku stretch, when Senyaglo failed to stop at a Police checkpoint.

A high-speed pursuit ensued, culminating in his eventual arrest near the Adomi Bridge in the Eastern Region.

During questioning, Mr Senyaglo claimed he was unaware that the cocoa beans were illegally acquired.

He stated that, he had been sent to the Manhyia Palace to deliver items to the Asantehene as part of his 25th Anniversary Celebrations and was asked by a friend to transport the cocoa beans on his return journey from Suhum to Dzodze.

However, the Police disputed Senyaglo’s account, alleging that he was fully aware of the illegal nature of the cargo.

The suspect and the seized goods are currently in the custody of the Sogakope Police, pending further investigations and prosecution.

Over the years, the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce has been working tirelessly to disrupt the illegal cocoa supply chain, and this bust is a testament to their dedication and hard work in the country.

However, the Anlo Traditional Council is yet to give an official statement on the issue.

The police are working to trace the origin of the beans and identify other individuals involved in the smuggling ring.

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Opposition parties argue that the reform passed by lawmakers last week is a ruse to keep President Faure Gnassingbé – already in his fourth term – in power.

The change allows him to remain president until 2031, critics say, after which he could be appointed to the new position of “president of the council of ministers” – in effect prime minister – continuing his family’s 57-year rule.

The polls were initially set for 20 April but were postponed by Mr Gnassingbé to allow for “consultations”.

Some critics have voiced scepticism about the credibility of the election, after the authorities temporarily stopped election accreditation for foreign press, AFP news agency reported.

The Conference of Togolese Catholic Bishops, which criticised the reform, was also blocked from deploying election observers, AFP added.

About four million voters will choose 113 lawmakers and 179 regional deputies, who along with municipal councillors will install a newly created senate.

Opposition parties boycotted Togo’s last election and are poorly represented in parliament, which led to the disputed reform passing almost unanimously.

This time, they have urged their supporters to turn out for the vote in high numbers.

Supporters of President Gnassingbé however argue that his continued rule will boost development.

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The West African country will move from a presidential to a parliamentary system.

President Faure Gnassingbé’s supporters argue the changes reduce his powers by transforming the presidency into a ceremonial role.

But the opposition said the reforms remove limits on his stay in office.

Their removal would enable him to remain president until 2031, they said, after which he could be appointed to the new position of “president of the council of ministers” – in effect prime minister – continuing his family’s 57-year rule.

President Gnassingbé came to power in 2005 after the death of his father, who had been president since 1967.

The constitutional changes were approved by lawmakers last month. But in the face of mounting public anger, Mr Gnassingbé paused the reforms and said they would be subject to further consultations.

Human Rights Minister Yawa Djigbodi Tségan had said that this move will “improve democracy in the country”.

But one-time presidential candidate Brigitte Kafui Johnson, who leads the opposition CDPA party, had described the constitutional amendments as a “power grab”.

In recent weeks, pro-government lawmakers have conducted visits around the country they said were intended to “listen to and inform civilians on the constitutional reform”.

Customary rulers and selected groups were among the main target of the discussions – but no changes were made as a result.

There has been widespread fear when it comes to expressing views in public in case they are targeted by the authorities in light of police cracking down on anti-government protests.

Last month, an opposition press conference under the banner of “Don’t Touch My Constitution” was broken up by police officers armed with truncheons.

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The reform approved by lawmakers last week replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary one.

It also hands executive power to the prime minister, reducing the presidency to a symbolic role.

Opposition parties have rejected the reform, fearing it could let President Faure Gnassingbé stay in power.

He succeeded his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who died in 2005 after ruling the country with an iron fist for 38 years.

The presidency announced the postponement of the elections on Wednesday, but did not give a new date for the polls, which were initially due to be held on 20 April.

The Conference of Togolese Catholic bishops has urged President Gnassingbé not to sign the constitutional changes into law, citing the need for “broad consultation and a more inclusive national debate”.

Under the new system, the president will be selected by parliament without debate for a single six-year term, rather than being directly elected.

Opposition parties boycotted Togo’s previous elections and are poorly represented in Togo’s parliament.

As a result, the constitution change was approved almost unanimously – with only one legislator voting against and one other abstaining.

The presidency said on Wednesday that the delay was to allow for “consultations” over the contested constitutional changes.

“The National Assembly wished to have some days to engage in broad consultations with all stakeholders,” the presidency’s statement said.

The election delay comes days after President Gnassingbé sent the contested law back to parliament for a second reading, amid mounting criticism.

The outbreak was announced by the Volta Regional Health Directorate which said over 1,000 birds have been killed following the outbreak.

The Ghana Health Service in a statement said: “The Volta Regional Health Directorate wishes to notify all stakeholders of the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Lomé, Togo, on the 22nd June 2023.

“The outbreak has killed about 1,450 of a flock of 1,500 birds, with the remaining birds being culled. All districts, particularly those bordering the Republic of Togo, health facilities, and port health units are to heighten their surveillance activities for HPAI A(H5N1) disease.”

The GHS in its statement cautioned residents residing in the region to avoid direct contact with wild birds and further urged them to observe them only from a distance.

“As a general precaution, whenever possible people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance. Wild birds can be infected with avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses even if they do not look sick.

“Avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds (poultry) that look sick or have died. Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or faeces from wild or domestic birds.

“Use protective equipment like gloves, an N95 respirator if available or, if not available, a well-fitting facemask and eye protection. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after contact with birds or surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or faeces from wild or domestic birds,” it advised in its statement.

The Service further urged health facilities to heighten their surveillance activities for HPAI A(H5N1) disease.

“All districts, particularly those bordering the Republic of Togo, health facilities, and port health units are to heighten their surveillance activities for HPAI A(H5N1) disease,”it entreated.

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Amid the double whammy of Covid-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Togo has been able to keep single digits with both headline and food inflation rates for September pegged at 7.90% and 8.60%, respectively.

According to Togo’s President, Faure Gnassingbe, who was speaking at the 2022 Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, the government is spending $20 million a month to cap prices of basic goods such as wheat, corn and fuel in their economy valued at $8.5 billion.

The President admitted, “That’s not sustainable for our finances so we are trying to set up a new strategy for the mid-and long-term.”

The West African nation is also taking steps to substitute essential imports and reduce emerging spending to curb inflation. For example, the state plans to urge bakers to mix wheat with locally-grown cassava to cut the import bill. At the same time, drivers of petrol-fueled motorbikes, the most widely used form of transportation, are also expected to switch to electric vehicles gradually.

Elsewhere in West Africa

Although Togo’s headline inflation has gone up by more than tenfold, countries like Cote D’Ivoire have seen inflation move from a negative rate of 1.1% in 2019 to 6.3%. Senegal’s inflation rose from 1.8% in 2019 to the prevailing rate of 11.9%. In Ghana, inflation has skyrocketed from 7.1% [pre-Covid] to 37.2% for September 2022.

In his recent address to the nation, President Akufo-Addo admitted that “the whole world has been taken aback by the speed with which inflation has eaten away people’s incomes. Economies, big and small, have experienced, over this year alone, the highest rise in cost of living over a generation…”.

He emphasised that “between the end of 2019 and now, inflation in Ghana has increased by five-fold, in Togo by sixteen-fold, by eleven-fold in Senegal, and by seven-fold in Cote d’Ivoire.”

Witnesses said they were woken by a loud blast late on Saturday in the Savanes region, in the north of the country.

“An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances of this explosion and identify the perpetrators,” the army is quoted as saying in a statement on Sunday.

Islamist militants linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have attacked numerous targets in a string of countries in the Sahel.

The Togolese army has been on high alert following the country’s first deadly militant attack in May, when eight soldiers were killed near the border with Burkina Faso.

Togo last month declared a state of emergency in its northern region following the attack.

Ghana, after suffering a 4-2 defeat in their opening game to Nigeria, bounced back to a resounding victory with a 3-0 drubbing of Togo.

Goalkeeper Shaibu Rafique, Richard Aweh, and Abdul Razak Salifu were given starting berths by Paa Kwesi Fabin, who made three changes to his starting lineup that was humiliated in the Group A opener against Nigeria.

Despite possessing the ball for the majority of the first half, the Starlets could not take advantage of the chances that came their way.

Yakubu Adams came close to opening the scoring for Ghana in the last 10 minutes of the opening half, but goalkeeper Komlan Kitti expertly fisted away his powerful effort.

In the 54th minute of the game, Pius Adua seized the lead for Ghana after tapping in a well-delivered assist from Andrews Appiah.

Abdul Razak Salifu doubled the lead after a solo run to slide the ball firmly into Komlan Kitti’s net before Collins Agyemang made it 3-0 after converting from the spot.

The win on Friday means Ghana has qualified to the semi-final of the 2022 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship after finishing second place in Group A with three points while Nigeria emerged as group winners with six points.

Eight Togolese were killed in May in a northern town near the border with Burkina Faso, in an attack claimed by Mali-based Al-Qaeda militants.

Jihadist groups in the Sahel nations have been expanding and increasingly threatening the coastal West African states of Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, and Togo.

After a Monday ministerial meeting, the government said a state of security emergency had been declared in the Savannah region which covers the country’s most northern provinces.

“It will enhance the speed of decision-making and facilitate greater agility for public services and defence and security forces,” the statement said.

Government spokesman Akodah Ayewouadan told reporters the measure would last three months and could be extended by the national assembly.

The Mali-based Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) group had claimed responsibility for the attack in May. 

Officials had said at the time that eight Togolese soldiers were killed and 13 others wounded.

A senior security source in Togo told AFP the soldiers were attacked by a group of 60 gunmen who arrived on motorbikes. 

Togolese troops foiled an attack in November last year in the northern village of Sanloaga, making the May attack the first to cause casualties.

West African neighbouring state Benin in May said it was “at war” with terrorism after suffering around 20 attacks, according to the first official tally of these assaults.

It said around 10 of its soldiers had been killed so far.

Benin’s first known fatal attack was last December, in which two soldiers were killed near the troubled frontier with Burkina Faso. 

The government responded by announcing increased military deployment in the north to protect the border.

Armed incursions by jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) organisation from troubled Sahel nations have also threatened Ghana and Ivory Coast, strengthening fears of a southward push towards the Gulf of Guinea.

The country is already a member of the Economic Organisation of West African States (Ecowas) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie – a group of French-speaking countries that are mostly former French colonies.

“Togo is not leaving the Francophonie. It will only strengthen the English teaching programmes and reactivate other partnerships,” the privately-owned Icilome news website quoted speaker of parliament Yawa Tsegan as saying.

The resolution, passed on Friday, asked the government to submit its application for Commonwealth membership at the bloc’s next summit in Rwanda in June.

The West African nation embarked on the process of joining the Commonwealth in 2014.

The Kumasi, Takoradi, Okaishie, Kantamanto and Makola-based traders were on two separate occasions intercepted, while trying to cross into the neighbouring Togo to buy goods for their businesses.

Chief Superintendent of GIS, Frederick Baah Duodu, the Sector Commander said the first arrest was made on Thursday dawn and the second, the next day following intelligence the Command gathered.

“Around 4:30 am on Thursday, our patrol team mounted surveillance on the Aflao School Junction to Diamond Cement road leading to the arrest of 39 traders comprising 33 females and six male for attempting to enter into Togo onboard three different vehicles namely; Hyundai Starex, Toyota Hiace minibus and Toyota Avensis with registration numbers GT 9972-19, VR 284-18 and GS 6317-Y, respectively.

We made the second arrest on Friday of 21 Kumasi traders, all women at different unapproved routes attempting to exit into Togo.”

Chief Supt Duodu disclosed the Command on Friday, arranged for three State Transport Company (STC) buses to ensure the transportation of the first group to Accra, while the second group was put on the same bus they came to Aflao with.

He said both arrests were part of an ongoing operation by the Command to deter travelers particularly traders from flouting the President’s directives on the country’s border closure.

Though Ghana’s airports were opened after the closure of all borders (air, land and sea) in the country to human traffic from March, this year, to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, land and sea borders were still shut.

The Aflao Sector Commander advised travelers especially traders to comply with the directive saying, failure to do so would attract punishment.

“We’re by this, sending a signal to the public that the President’s directive on the border closure is still in force and needs to be obeyed because attempting to flout the President’s directive is an offense and those caught will be made to face the full rigours of the law,” he added.

Victoire Tomegah Dogbé is an economics and marketing graduate and had held a senior post in the president’s office.

Before that she spent a decade as the minister of grass roots development and youth employment.

She had earlier worked for the United Nations Development Programme.

The move late on Friday was anticipated since President Faure Gnassingbe was re-elected in February for a fourth term in office after a constitutional change allowed him to run again.

A statement on the presidency’s website said Gnassingbe accepted Klassou’s resignation and congratulated him and his team for their “economic, political and social efforts and the encouraging results despite the health crisis around the world”.

Klassou has served as prime minister since 2015.

The president’s election win, which was disputed by the opposition, extended more than a half-century of rule by the Gnassingbe family.

Gnassingbe has led the country of eight million people since taking over in 2005 following the death of his father, Eyadema Gnassingbe, who ruled for 38 years.

Ahead of the February election, a fractured opposition struggled to launch a concerted campaign to unseat Gnassingbe, despite deadly demonstrations against his rule in 2005 and 2017.

Togo is one of the poorest countries in the world. Its economy has been further hit by the coronavirus pandemic as the authorities have imposed restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

To date, the country has recorded 1,722 coronavirus infections and 44 related deaths.

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As part of these measures, starting this month, access to water and power is free for the next three months.

In detail, concerning water, households with a monthly consumption capped at 10m3, which corresponds to a bill of XOF2,000, will be exempted.

As for power, the incentive exempts the most vulnerable households as long as the bill does not exceed XOF2,520 per month (thus totaling XOF7,560 over the three months of exemption).

The measure aims at cushioning the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the economy, and especially on the most vulnerable people.

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President Akufo-Addo will return to Ghana on Wednesday, 27th June, 2018, and in his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead.

Their discussions were held behind closed doors but believed to have centred on speeding up the negotiation processes to end the bitter political crisis and bring enduring peace to the country.

Mr. Conde is the head of the ECOWAS Monitoring Committee, tasked by the regional body during its last meeting held in Lome, to support the efforts of President Akufo-Addo at helping the government and the opposition political parties to find a common ground.

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Guinean leader Alpha Conde

The pair had been working hard to get the Togolese Government, the opposition and all other political stakeholders to implement constitutional reforms “while respecting legal deadlines, democratic standards and principles and the rule of law”.

Togo has been mired in a political standoff as the opposition pushes for a term limit for President.

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Mr. Conde has since left for Guinea.

Earlier, on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), in Accra, scores of Guinean nationals gathered at the airport to welcome their leader.

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On hand to receive him at the Jubilee Lounge of the KIA was Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, where they exchanged pleasantries.

President Akufo-Addo made this known on Monday, October 30, 2017, when Togbega Amenya Fiti V, Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional area, together with some chiefs of Anlo, paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency.

Describing the situation in Togo as “disturbing for all of us”, President Akufo-Addo recounted the disturbances that occurred in 2005, in the wake of the death of the former President of Togo, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, and the succession problems it created, which resulted in over 100,000 Togolese refugees streaming across the border into Ghana.

“Anything that happens in Togo is a matter of great concern to you. It is a matter of concern to us and all the people of Ghana. You can be sure that I cannot be idle, as these events take place,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo continued, “The Togolese President came to see me in Tamale 10 days ago, and I have been meeting a lot of the political actors in the situation, and, definitely, we are all working to see how we can bring this crisis to a closure, and bring stability and peace back to Togo. It is in all of our interests to do so.”

The President assured Togbega Amenya Fiti V that “I am not staying idle in this matter. We are acting. Let us pray for understanding and the blessing of the Almighty so that we can find a solution, that will be in the interest of the people of Togo, and then, by implication, the people of Ghana.”

On the request for the creation of an Aflao Municipal Assembly by Togbega Fiti V, President Akufo-Addo noted that one of the things his government is having to work out is the creation of a district where there is no constituency.

He, however, assured “I have done a lot of work on your behalf, and the Minister for Local Government, Hajia Alima Mahama, is waiting to hold a meeting with you, in order to bring the Municipality into being. For me, it makes a lot of sense (that the Municipality is created).”

Touching on the June 8, 2017, decision taken by government to implement a 24-hour open border policy at the Aflao border with Togo, President Akufo-Addo noted that this policy is in conformity with Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS, and it Protocols on the Free Movement of Goods and Persons.

He noted, nonetheless, that when policies such as this are being implemented for constructive purposes,” there are always a few criminal minds who want to use it for another purpose. It is a good occasion to ask for your help so that those who want to use the open-border for smuggling and illicit activities, as much as possible, we mobilise the population and make sure that it doesn’t happen.”

President Akufo-Addo appealed for the support of the Chiefs and people of the Anlo-Aflao State “to complement the law enforcement agencies to make sure that smuggling is not a part of the open-border policy.”

The President reiterated the commitment of government to working with traditional authorities in this country, noting that the Constitution of the Republic requires that Central Government works hand-in-hand with the traditional authorities to give the country good governance.

“I am extremely committed to the teachings of the Constitution that we should work together. We have to co-operate for the benefit of the people of Ghana,” he added.

The suspects including two leaders were part some 300 nationals from Ghana’s immediate eastern neigbour, who had converged in Accra early Saturday to protest over the political tension in Togo.

There are fears the situation in the former French colony could degenerate into a full-blown civil war following bloody clashes between armed security forces and civilians protesting the half a century rule by the Gnassingbe dynasty.

Since the first protests on August 18, eight people have been killed, including a 10-year-old child, three teenagers and two soldiers, while there have been about 100 injured.

Amnesty International said at least 28 people out of more than 100 arrested have been convicted in connection with the protests.

Togo’s opposition has repeatedly called for a limit of two, five-year terms for the president and the resignation of Faure Gnassingbe.

But the Head of Operations at the Accra Regional Police Command, Superintendent Kwasi Ofori told Joy News the demonstrators did not inform the police about their intended demonstrations.

“About 300 Togolese nationals gathered without notice to the police of their intention to embark on a public demonstration. In view of this the Regional Police Command…demobilised their effort, we disengaged them from the demonstration and we have arrested some leaders and those involved in the demonstration,” Supt. Ofori explained.

The Operations Head said although police will caution the demonstrators they will also face prosecution because “They cannot violate the laws of Ghana to engage in things that have nothing to do with our country.”

“We are not interested in the kind of demonstration that goes on either for or against; all that we want is our laws should be respected. They need to abide by the laws of this country.”

A statement issued by a U.S. Department of State spokesperson, Heather Nauert, said violence and restrictions on rights of people were of concern to the U.S.

The Embassy in the Togolese capital, Lome, issues a security message over the last two days of opposition protest – November 18 and 19. A number of deaths have been recorded since protests started in August this year. The government has reported of mass arrests of protesters and banned weekday protests.

The U.S. also commented on the arrest of an Imam in the town of Sokode, which incident resulted in demonstrations, the torching of buildings and clashes between security forces and protesters.

The full statement read as follows:

“The United States is deeply concerned about rising levels of violence and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly in Togo related to protests over proposed constitutional reforms.

“We are particularly troubled by reports of excessive use of force by security forces and reports that Government-sponsored vigilantes are using force and the threat of force to disrupt protests and intimidate civilians.

“The United States is also concerned with the Government of Togo’s decision to restrict demonstrations during the workweek and to arrest a prominent imam in the city of Sokode.

“We call on the Government of Togo to uphold its citizens’ human rights, notably their freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and internet freedom and to ensure that all those arrested during demonstrations are afforded the right to due process.

“The United States deplores the violence that has claimed the lives of protesters and security forces alike. We urge all parties to renounce violence. We encourage the Government and opposition to engage in dialogue without preconditions, which is the only solution to the current impasse.”

The cancellation comes amid opposition protests against President Faure Gnassingbe’s rule and the call for the reinstatement of the 1992 constitution.

The government announced the cancellation on Monday without stating the reason.

This follows the call by the opposition for another series of demonstrations on November 7, 8 and 9 – which are weekdays – despite the ban on weekday protests.

There were violent clashes last week after the arrest of an Imam in the northern city of Sokode. Public buildings were torched and the tension spread to other cities including Tchamba, Bafilo, Kpalimé, Agoényne and the capital Lome.

The Togolese opposition are also calling for a two five-year term limit for presidents as well as a two-round voting system.

A bill was tabled before parliament by the cabinet during the early September round of demonstrations to reinstate the term limits which were struck out by the father of Faure Gnassingbe before his death.

The opposition rejected the draft bill to modify Article 59 of the constitution which has maintained the exclusion of the clause that says “no one can serve more than two terms”.

They believe it is a ploy to allow Faure, who is serving his third term, to attempt a fourth in 2020.

Togo hosts the West African regional office of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF).

The latest development which brings the death toll to seven after four people were killed Tuesday night, follows brutalities visited on some civilians in the town by some Togolese military personnel.

Unconfirmed reports say landlords with tenants who are military personnel have ordered the personnel to immediately pack out of their homes following the brutalities.

Tension is mounting once again in Togo following Tuesday’s clash between government forces and supporters of the opposition party which left four persons dead.

There are fears of more deaths as the protest heightened Wednesday, a day after two civilians and two security officers were killed.

Opposition Parti National Panafricain (PNP) leader, Tikpi Salifou Atchadam, has called for the immediate resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe, the current head of a half-century-old political dynasty, rejecting a government move to introduce term limits.

Gnassingbe has ruled the West African nation since his father died in 2005 after 38 years in power.

The late President Gnassingbe Eyadema passed a law in 1992 limiting the president to two terms in power, only to scrap it a decade later.

Togo’s Cabinet has adopted a draft bill to bring back the term limits, the government announced in a statement. But the decision did little to satisfy an increasingly rejuvenated opposition.

There are fears of more deaths as the protest heightens on Wednesday, a day after two civilians and two security officers were killed.

Opposition, Parti National Panafricain (PNP) leader, Tikpi Salifou Atchadam, has called for the immediate resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe, the current head of a half-century-old political dynasty, rejecting a government move to introduce term limits.

Nearly 300 Togolese have entered Chereponi, a district capital in northern Ghana since a nationwide revolt against the Gnassingbe family dynasty escalated to the north last week.

One boy was killed after security forces used baton, teargas and live bullets against protesters in two northern cities only 26km from the border with Ghana.

Adom News’ Illiasu Abdul Raulf reports that refugees are continuing to cross the border after police clashed with opposition rioters at Mongo and Bafilo, two cities hundred kilometers north of the capital Lomé but just 16miles to Ghana.

As of Tuesday, 400 of the refugees arrived by road from Mongo into the district and double that figure reportedly entered neighboring district- Bunkprugu/Yunyoo.

Refugees were crossing over at official entry points and there were no reports of unofficial crossings.

The new arrivals told Adom News they were escaping another protest in the region that is set to resume on Thursday which they fear may spurn out of control after security refused to approve the gathering.

They said security forces raided their homes and brutalized them for participating in last week’s protest.

They also said armed military were stopping people from leaving their homes and added that dozens were planning to escape at night.

Togolese Journalist, Maxime Domegni tells Adom News, the opposition party is celebrating 25 years of the country’s constitution in addition to a sit down strike on Friday in protest of the continuous stay in office by President Faure Gnassingbe.

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