Tension is mounting among residents and road users in the Avume Electoral Area of the Anloga District over the continued operation of a Police barrier at Agorve-Dzodorgu, with calls growing for its immediate removal.
The Assembly Member for the area, Mr Kad Daniel Agboka, has petitioned the District Chief Executive (DCE), Madam Seyram Sandra Kpedor, to intervene in the matter, warning that the unresolved concerns could lead to a peaceful demonstration.
According to Mr Agboka, the barrier has become a source of frustration for residents, particularly the youth, market women, motor riders and drivers who use the stretch regularly.
He said residents had complained that the operations at the barrier had allegedly moved beyond the conventional purpose of a security checkpoint, with some describing it as a point where commuters were subjected to extortion.
“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 said.
Mr Agboka said the growing dissatisfaction could compel residents to organise a peaceful demonstration if the District Assembly failed to take concrete action.
He further indicated that residents could escalate the matter by submitting a formal petition through the DCE’s office to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for investigations into the concerns raised.
In his petition, Mr Agboka urged the DCE’s office to investigate the operations of the barrier and facilitate public education for residents on its official purpose and relevance to the security of the area.
He also called for evidence or data demonstrating the contribution of the checkpoint to the security of the community and the wider Anloga District.
The Assembly Member stressed that the concerns were not new, noting that other stakeholders, including Mr Makafui Kofi Woanya, NPP Volta Regional Chairman, had previously called for the removal of the barrier.
He said the repeated calls demonstrated the depth and persistence of public dissatisfaction with its operations.
Mr Agboka appealed to Madam Kpedor to treat the matter with urgency, saying prompt engagement, transparency and clarification could help ease tensions and prevent a planned demonstration.
He expressed confidence in the DCE’s commitment to protecting the peace, security and welfare of residents and urged all stakeholders to work together to resolve the concerns.
The petition was copied to several stakeholders, including the Anloga Area Council Chairman, Mr Samuel Kofi Sebuava; Member of Parliament for the Anlo Constituency, Mr Richard Kwame Sefe; Presiding Member of the Anloga District Assembly, Mr Joseph K. Kpatah; and representatives of the Assembly’s Justice and Security and Works Sub-Committees.
Traditional authorities and Unit Committees within Avume-Anloga were also copied to the petition.
