The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has summoned the Volta Regional Police Commander following concerns over alleged harassment, intimidation, unnecessary delays and extortion of local traders by some police personnel along the Aflao–Accra main route.
Following the development, the Regional Commander has summoned all Divisional and District Commanders to a meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, to deliberate on the matter and take appropriate measures.
The concerns follow a viral video posted on social media alleging that some police personnel at Tokor Barrier, Ativuta toll booth, Weta–Afiadenyigba junction barrier and other locations towards Sogakope demand receipts for goods being transported by local traders and allegedly extort money from those unable to produce them.
The Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU) has also appealed to senior police officers to intervene, stressing that their concern is not the number of checkpoints but rather the alleged unnecessary delays, intimidation and extortion of traders.
"The allegations are of concern as Ghana, through institutions including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA), is making efforts to promote its ports and transit corridors to neighbouring countries to boost trade and economic growth," a statement issued by the Ghana Police Service said.
It said personnel deployed to the affected locations had been cautioned against misconduct. "An inspection team is also being constituted to identify and investigate personnel involved in such acts, with appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken where allegations are substantiated," it said.
The JAPTU Ghana Secretariat, over the past couple of weeks, reportedly received several complaints from truck drivers regarding alleged intimidation, harassment, unnecessary delays and extortion by some police personnel, particularly along the Tamale–Walewale route and in the Upper East and Upper West regions.
According to the complaints, some truck drivers are allegedly stopped for several hours at police checkpoints after refusing to comply with demands for illicit payments purportedly made under the guise of routine spot checks. It is further alleged that drivers travelling between Walewale and Tamale are stopped in large numbers, with some drivers, particularly those presenting Burkina Faso-issued driving licences, allegedly told that their licences are fake or invalid.
The complainants allege that some drivers are subsequently demanded to pay between GH¢600 and GH¢1,000 before being allowed to proceed, and that those who refuse or are unable to pay are allegedly detained or handcuffed. Other allegations include officers demanding to inspect or take items from vehicle first-aid boxes, including alcohol, scissors and other emergency materials, and demanding to inspect drivers' condoms during checks.
The alleged conduct is reportedly causing significant delays, financial losses and hardship to truck drivers and passengers using the route. The complainants further claim such practices could negatively affect Ghana's trade and transit facilitation efforts, particularly as the GPHA and GSA continue initiatives encouraging landlocked neighbouring countries to use Ghana's ports and transit corridors.
A video reportedly showing several vehicles stopped along the route has been provided by the complainant as supporting material and may be examined as part of the verification process.
