Police investigate allegations of harassment, intimidation and delays affecting traders in Ghana’s Volta Region
Ghana’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohunu, has summoned the Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP Wisdom Akorli, following allegations of harassment, intimidation, unnecessary delays and extortion of local traders by some police personnel operating along the Aflao–Accra main route in Ghana.
The allegations concern police operations at several checkpoints, including the Tokor Barrier, Ativuta Toll Booth and the Weta–Afiadenyigba Junction Barrier, as well as other locations towards Sogakope in Ghana’s Volta Region.
The matter gained public attention following a viral Facebook post alleging that some police personnel stationed along the route demand receipts and other documentation from local traders transporting goods. The post further alleged that traders unable to produce the required documents are sometimes subjected to intimidation or asked to pay money before being allowed to continue their journeys.
The Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU) has appealed to senior Ghanaian police authorities to intervene and address the concerns.
JAPTU says its concern is not necessarily the number of police checkpoints along the route, but rather the alleged unnecessary delays, intimidation and extortion reportedly faced by traders and transport operators travelling along the important Ghanaian commercial corridor.
Following his meeting with the IGP, the Volta Regional Police Commander has scheduled a meeting with all Divisional and District Police Commanders in the region for Wednesday, September 2, 2026, to deliberate on the allegations and determine appropriate measures to address the concerns.
As part of the response, police personnel deployed to the affected locations have been cautioned against misconduct.
The Ghana Police Service is also constituting an inspection team to visit the affected locations, identify personnel who may have been involved in the alleged acts and investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents.
The Police Administration is expected to take appropriate administrative or disciplinary action if investigations establish wrongdoing.
The Aflao–Accra route is an important transport and trade corridor connecting communities and commercial centres in Ghana’s Volta Region with Accra and other parts of the country. Concerns over alleged harassment or extortion along the route therefore have implications not only for policing but also for local trade, transport, livelihoods and public confidence in Ghana’s security institutions.
The investigation is expected to determine whether the allegations have merit and, if so, establish the personnel involved and the appropriate action required.
Climate Africa & Security will continue to monitor the investigation and developments surrounding policing and security along Ghana’s major trade and transportation corridors.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson