The people of Western Togoland are a distinct cultural group, with their identity deeply rooted in a unique historical and ethnic background that sets them apart as a distinct peoples. Comprised of various indigenous ethnicities such as the Ewe, Guan, and other groups, the people of Western Togoland possess a rich cultural heritage, expressed through their languages, religious practices, and social customs. 

Nonetheless, the peoples of Western Togoland remain largely unrepresented, both nationally and internationally. The incorporation of Western Togoland into Ghana after the 1956 plebiscite, despite significant opposition and questions about the legitimacy of the process, has led to a long-standing struggle for recognition and representation. The failure to respect their rights to self-determination has resulted in significant political, social, and economic marginalization. Their movements for the respect of their right to self-determination has been met with repression, arbitrary detentions, and ongoing discrimination.

The right to self-determination for the people of Western Togoland is crucial not only for the preservation of their cultural identity and the rectification of historical injustices but also for ensuring equitable development and addressing long-standing grievances. The process of decolonization must include the recognition and rectification of such historical injustices, where the voices and rights of indigenous peoples like those of Western Togoland have been overlooked. By supporting their right to self-determination, the international community can help to correct these historical wrongs, foster inclusivity, and promote long-term stability and peace in the region.

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of the people of Western Togoland as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from Western Togoland. However, the main organization representing the rights of people of Western Togoland within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Homeland Study Group Foundation.

The cultural identity of Western Togoland is deeply intertwined with the heritage of the Ewe, Guan, and other indigenous groups. This identity is vividly expressed through their rich traditions in music, dance, and storytelling, which are central to communal festivals and rituals. These cultural practices are not only celebrations but also acts of preservation, helping to maintain a strong sense of community and history. However, the people of Western Togoland face significant challenges in preserving this identity due to political and social pressures from the Ghanaian state, which often marginalizes their unique cultural expressions. This underscores the importance of recognizing their right to self-determination, allowing them to sustain and develop their cultural heritage in the face of external pressures.

Western Togoland’s history is deeply intertwined with the colonial and post-colonial developments in West Africa. Following Germany’s defeat in World War I, the territory was divided between Britain and France under the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. The British-administered portion was eventually integrated into the Gold Coast colony, which became the independent nation of Ghana in 1957. However, this integration was preceded by a United Nations-sponsored plebiscite in 1956, where the people of Western Togoland were asked to choose between joining Ghana or remaining a separate Trust Territory. Despite the official results favoring integration with Ghana, many residents have since questioned the fairness and legitimacy of this process, arguing that it did not truly reflect the will of the people. These concerns have persisted, fueling ongoing debates over self-determination and the right of Western Togoland to chart its own political future. The historical annexation and the subsequent marginalization of Western Togoland’s identity and autonomy remain central issues in the region’s struggle for recognition and justice.

The people of Western Togoland face significant challenges related to human rights, underdevelopment, political repression, and environmental concerns. Despite concerns over the legality of their integration into Ghana, the region has been administratively unified with the country, often leading to feelings of marginalization among its inhabitants.

Arbitrary detentions remain a significant issue in Western Togoland. The Ghanaian government continues to crack down on activists advocating for the region’s self-determination, with members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) frequently targeted. From 2019 to 2021, several HSGF members were detained without trial under charges of treason. The government has employed tactics such as arrest-release-rearrest to keep activists in a state of constant fear and legal uncertainty. These practices are a violation of human rights, drawing international criticism and highlighting the repressive environment faced by those advocating for Western Togoland’s autonomy.

Environmental challenges, particularly related to flooding, have also plagued the region. The construction and mismanagement of dams by the Ghanaian government have led to severe flooding in Western Togoland, damaging homes, displacing communities, and destroying farmlands. These floods exacerbate the already dire economic situation in the region, leaving many residents without access to basic necessities and further deepening their marginalization. The lack of adequate response from the government to these environmental crises has only fueled grievances among the population, contributing to the broader sense of neglect and injustice.

Western Togoland also suffers from significant underdevelopment, with poor infrastructure, limited access to education, and economic marginalization. Many districts within the region, such as Adaklu and Kadjebi, rank below the national average in terms of development. Employment opportunities are scarce, and essential services are often inadequate, exacerbating poverty and social inequality.

The people of Western Togoland have a distinct cultural identity and historical grievances that merit recognition. Respecting their right to self-determination is not just about addressing past wrongs but is also crucial for ensuring their political and cultural survival. Addressing the ongoing arbitrary detentions and environmental issues, along with ensuring equitable development, is essential for fostering peace and stability in the region. The international community must support these efforts to ensure that all voices are heard and that the people of Western Togoland can determine their own destiny in accordance with their cultural and historical heritage.