Ashanti Region regional office of the National Security have launched a joint investigation into suspected corruption at the Akom Axle Load Station in the Afigya Kwabre North District, following protests and growing concerns over alleged embezzlement and misconduct.
The probe, initiated by the National Security and the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), comes in response to a demonstration by some youth affiliated with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
On Monday, June 30, the group stormed the facility, accusing staff of under-declaring fines collected from overloaded vehicles and diverting the funds for personal gain.
Protesters claimed that GHA officials at the station were engaged in corrupt practices, including striking unofficial deals with truck drivers to permit the movement of overloaded cargo. Some drivers, they alleged, paid bribes of up to GHS20,000 without receiving any official receipts; particularly international truck drivers, who were said to be singled out for such extortion.
In reacting to the unrest, National Security operatives were deployed to the scene to restore calm and maintain order at the station. Since then, officers have remained at the post to oversee operations and prevent further irregularities.
Investigators are also looking into claims that unauthorized checkpoints have been set up along the route by some GHA personnel, who allegedly extort money from drivers without issuing official documentation.
Officials have expressed concern over falling revenue, suggesting that some truck operators, in collusion with rogue employees, are evading penalties by bypassing the standard axle load procedures.
Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain (Rtd.) John Kwame Jabari, confirmed that investigations are actively underway. “Yesterday, [Thursday, July 3], a team visited us at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), and we reviewed the issues. They assured us of their commitment to resolving the matter and promised to follow up by Monday,” he told the media.
The ongoing investigation aims to address the systemic issues at the axle load station and ensure accountability among officials involved.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh /Isaac Justice Justice Bediako
