The Volta Regional Police Command began an outreach to traders and market women on the Aflao‑Accra highway after allegations of harassment and extortion surfaced. Deputy Commissioner of Police Wisdom Akorli led the effort, following a petition by youth activist Daniel Jerry Sorokpo to the Inspector‑General of Police.
How the Story Unfolded
Police officials travelled from Sogakope through Akatsi and Agbozume before reaching Aflao, where traders could voice their experiences with officers along the corridor. Chief Inspector Francis Kwaku Gomado, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, explained that the exercise aimed to gather first‑hand information and address any misconduct.
Allegations Highlighted
Traders reported that some officers stopped them, demanded receipts for goods such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, beans and vegetables, and, if receipts were lacking, forced payments. Market women said officers demanded amounts not less than GH¢50, even when transporting goods from home to local markets.
Police Response
Gomado stressed that police have no authority to demand money from traders merely for transporting goods and condemned reports of detentions lasting several hours. He urged anyone who experienced harassment or extortion to report incidents directly to the Regional Police Commander or deputies.
Next Steps
The engagement is expected to provide the Command with detailed accounts to identify areas requiring further investigation and action along the highway. A thorough inquiry into any unlawful conduct is anticipated.
