By Michael Pepsin Avorgah, GNA
Aflao (V/R), Sept. 8, GNA — Mr Daniel Jerry Sorokpo, a youth activist and aspiring NDC Vice Chairman of the Ketu South Constituency, has proposed the introduction of strategic night-time police security barriers along the Aflao-Sogakope stretch of the Accra-Aflao highway to strengthen crime prevention and protect road users.
Mr Sorokpo, who confirmed the proposal to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the suggested barriers should be limited to two or three strategic locations between Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality and Sogakope in the South Tongu District.
He said the barriers should operate strictly at night and be supported by regular mobile police patrols to provide security for traders, commercial drivers and other road users travelling along the highway after dark.
The proposal follows the reported removal of police barriers along the route amid concerns over alleged extortion of money from local traders and drivers.
Mr Sorokpo commended the authorities for the intervention, saying the removal had been welcomed by members of the public, particularly market women and traders who had reportedly experienced difficulties at some of the checkpoints.
He, however, said the complete removal of police barriers between Aflao and Sogakope could create a security gap, particularly during the night.
According to him, addressing alleged misconduct by some police personnel should not result in compromising security along one of the major routes in the area.
Mr Sorokpo stressed that the proposed night barriers should serve solely as security points for crime prevention, emergency response and maintenance of law and order.
“These suggested strategic barriers must serve strictly as crime-fighting and emergency response barriers, especially at night, and not operate in the daytime as the usual extortion points,” he said.
He further proposed the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at strategic locations, with the systems linked to the respective District Police Commands.
He said District Commanders should be able to monitor activities at the barriers through authorised devices to enhance supervision of personnel and promote accountability.
Mr Sorokpo also called for intensified night patrols along the Aflao-Sogakope section of the highway, saying a combination of strategic security barriers and mobile patrols would provide better protection for people and property.
The youth activist proposed periodic in-service training and professional workshops for police officers deployed along major highways, particularly on appropriate ways of interacting with civilians, traders and commercial transport operators.
He said strengthening the professional conduct of personnel would help rebuild public confidence in the Police Service and improve relations between officers and communities.
Mr Sorokpo also suggested the transfer of officers who had served for extended periods within the southern sector, arguing that the introduction of new personnel could promote professionalism, integrity and accountability.
He said the proposals were intended to complement efforts by the Police Administration to address alleged extortion while ensuring that security along the Aflao-Sogakope highway was not compromised.
Mr Sorokpo said he was hopeful that the Ketu South Municipal Chief Executive, Volta Regional Minister, Volta Regional Police Commander and the Inspector-General of Police would give the proposal urgent consideration and act swiftly in the interest of public safety.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade