By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Anloga (VR), Sept. 8, GNA- Mr Kad Daniel Agboka, the Assembly Member for Avume Electoral Area, in Volta Region, has petitioned the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Anloga District, Madam Seyram Sandra Kpedor, for immediate removal of a Police barrier mounted at Agorve Dzodorgu.
The Assembly Member said his action was to formally bring to the attention of the District Assembly the growing frustration expressed by many electorates, particularly the youth, market women, motor riders and drivers who use the stretch daily, over what they describe as an ordeal at the barrier.
Mr Agboka told the Ghana News Agency, that residents alleged that the operations at the barrier had deviated from the conventional understanding of a security checkpoint, describing it as a point for extorting money from commuters, a situation he said had generated widespread anger among large number of people.
“Many other residents are also demanding the immediate removal of the barrier, they have not seen any tangible benefit derived from its presence, either to their community or to the Anloga District at large, despite the inconvenience they continue to endure at the checkpoint.”
He warned that should the District Assembly fail to take concrete action, residents would have resolve to organise a peaceful demonstration and to escalate the matter by presenting a formal petition, through the DCE’s office, to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for further investigation into their concerns.
In view of the mounting tension, Mr Agboka requested the DCE’s office to intervene and investigate the operations at the Agorve-Dzodorgu barrier, to facilitate a public education exercise for his electorate to understand the official purpose and usefulness of the barrier to the community and the District Assembly, and to provide any evidence or data demonstrating how the checkpoint served the security interests of the area.
He said the recent appeal was not the first time such concerns were raised, disclosing that other stakeholders, including Mr Makafui Kofi Woanya, NPP Volta Regional Chairman had in the past called for the removal of the barrier, an indication he said reflected on the depth and persistence of public grievance over the matter.
Mr Agboka expressed confidence in the DCE’s commitment to the peace, security and welfare of the people of Anloga, and appealed to her office to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves to avert any potential public unrest arising from the unresolved concerns of residents.
He said a petition was copied to several stakeholders, including Mr Samuel Kofi Sebuava, Anloga Area Council Chairman, Mr Richard Kwame Sefe, Member of Parliament for the Anlo Constituency, Mr Joseph K. Kpatah, Presiding Member of the Anloga District Assembly, Mr Esinu David Normanyo, Chairman of the Justice and Security Sub-Committee, Mr James Atsu Fiati, Chairman of the Works Sub-Committee, the Unit Committees of Avume-Anloga, and traditional authorities within the area.
Mr Agboka called on stakeholders to act swiftly to address the concerns raised, for prompt engagement and transparency around the barrier’s operations to help defuse tensions and forestall any planned demonstration in the area.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/george-Ramsey Benamba