The bus lurched forward, then screeched to another halt. A uniformed officer, barely out of his teens, boarded with a practiced air of authority. Another checkpoint. For Ama, a trader who regularly transports goods from Accra to Ho, the capital of Ghana’s Volta Region, this was a familiar, frustrating scene. She sighed, bracing herself for the inevitable questions and the delay that would further erode her profits. The issue of excessive inland immigration and police checkpoints in the Volta Region has become a significant impediment for residents, travelers, and businesses alike. These Volta Region checkpoints, far from providing a sense of security, are increasingly viewed as an unjustified burden.

The proliferation of these checkpoints raises serious questions about their necessity and impact. The density of these barriers, the redundancy of the checks, and the reported behavior of some officers have fueled resentment and hampered economic activity. It’s a situation that demands scrutiny and, many argue, immediate action.

Anyone who frequently travels to or through the Volta Region knows the frustration of being stopped repeatedly. From the Adomi Bridge, a major entry point into the region, to Ho and beyond, travelers often encounter a seemingly endless series of checkpoints. On one particularly congested stretch of road after the Adomi Bridge, it’s not uncommon to encounter six or seven checkpoints manned by various agencies, including Immigration, Customs, and the Police. What should be a simple journey becomes an exhausting ordeal, marked by repetitive questioning and document checks. The cumulative effect of these delays is significant, transforming a routine trip into a time-consuming and often demoralizing experience.

The question that lingers in the minds of many travelers is: Why are these checkpoints necessary? Why must Ghanaian citizens repeatedly prove their citizenship within their own country? The initial justification often cited was the need to address fears, now largely dissipated, of secessionist activity. However, the current system appears to serve little purpose beyond inconveniencing and, some allege, intimidating the very people it is supposedly meant to protect. The redundancy of the checks is particularly perplexing. Travelers are often asked the same questions and required to produce the same documents at multiple checkpoints within a short distance. This raises serious doubts about the effectiveness and rationale behind the current checkpoint regime. The continuous citizenship checks have now become an inconvenience and an intimidation tactic.

The impact of these Volta Region checkpoints extends far beyond mere inconvenience; they are actively strangling the region’s economy and undermining efforts to promote tourism. The Volta Region boasts stunning natural attractions, including Wli Waterfalls, the highest in West Africa, and the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, home to sacred Mona monkeys. However, the arduous journey, punctuated by multiple security checks, deters many potential tourists. How can the government effectively promote tourism in the region when visitors must endure a gauntlet of security checks, each adding to the overall travel time and creating a negative impression? The situation is equally challenging for business owners who transport goods to and from the Volta Region. The delays caused by the checkpoints increase transportation costs, discourage trade, and ultimately hinder economic growth. These barriers effectively strangle economic activity.

Adding insult to injury, reports of harassment and disrespectful behavior by some security officers have further inflamed tensions. Travelers have recounted instances of arrogance and intimidation, with officers demanding bribes or subjecting passengers to unwarranted scrutiny. A particularly degrading practice involves ordering all passengers off buses for inspection, regardless of age or physical condition. Even paramount chiefs have voiced their concerns about the treatment they have received at the checkpoints. Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VII, Paramount Chief of Klikor Traditional Area, and other traditional leaders have lodged complaints, emphasizing that if chiefs are treated in this manner, ordinary citizens have little hope of being treated with respect. The accounts paint a disturbing picture of security officer harassment and passenger humiliation. The situation underscores the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability.

Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, Paramount Chief of Anfoega Traditional Area, has been particularly vocal in his demand for the removal of the checkpoints. He argues that these barriers are an insult to the Volta Region and perpetuate a sense of discrimination. The sentiment resonates with many residents who feel that they are being unfairly targeted and subjected to undue scrutiny. The call to action is clear: dismantle the checkpoints and restore dignity to the people of the Volta Region. Immigration checks, as many argue, belong at borders, not in the middle of Ghana, targeting its own citizens.

In conclusion, the excessive Volta Region checkpoints represent a significant problem that demands immediate attention. These checkpoints are not only an inconvenience but also a hindrance to economic development and a source of resentment among the region’s residents. It is imperative that the government take swift action to dismantle these barriers and end the harassment. The people of the Volta Region deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Share this article and demand change from your representatives.