The Volta Regional House of Chiefs (VRHC) has called for the immediate removal of inland immigration checkpoints at Asikuma and Sogakope, as well as a police barrier at Juapong.
The chiefs argue that these posts serve no meaningful purpose and subject travelers, including traditional leaders, to unnecessary harassment and humiliation.
Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the VRHC, stated that immigration checkpoints should only be situated at the country’s entry and exit points, not at inland locations.
He said the initial justification for the posts, particularly concerns about secessionist activities, is no longer valid as such activities have ceased.
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs expressed particular concern about the conduct of some immigration officers at these posts.
Reports indicate that immigration officers frequently order travelers to disembark buses and walk to a designated point beyond the post, a practice described as both demeaning and frustrating.
In some cases, travelers are held hostage until they prove their Ghanaian identity, often by being asked to speak Twi, a situation the chiefs find unacceptable and discriminatory.
The Tepre Hodo further indicated that three paramount chiefs Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui, Togbe Nakakpo Dugbaza VII, and Togbe Drake Tsigbe IV have personally experienced harassment at these posts and raised their grievances with the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Their experiences underscore the widespread frustration shared by travelers in the region.
They are therefore urging the government to dismantle the checkpoints immediately to allow for unhindered travel within the Volta Region
🇬🇭🚨Malik Basintale exposes the Nana Akufo Addo and Bawumia family and friends govt…Operation Recover All Loot pic.twitter.com/pbrkuWh18y
— Uncle Paa Kwesi (@papakwesi_jr) December 18, 2024
