In a strategic effort to combat the rising wave of criminal attacks against mobile money agents, the Aflao Police Command is shifting focus toward proactive education and preventive action. At a recent meeting with the Aflao Chapter of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group (MoMAG), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Eric Bamfo, District Crime Officer, urged members to apply criminological principles in their daily operations to outsmart potential criminals.
Delivering a presentation centered on the Routine Activity Theory, ASP Bamfo highlighted that criminal incidents are not random, but rather occur when three conditions are met: the presence of a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.
“The moment you eliminate just one of these three elements, you reduce your chances of being a victim,” ASP Bamfo told the gathering. “You may not know who your potential attacker is—it could be a friend, client, or even staff—but you can secure your space and limit their opportunities.”
His message was clear: security starts with awareness and preventive planning. From varying work routines and installing surveillance systems to limiting cash holdings and fostering relationships with nearby security personnel, mobile money agents were encouraged to integrate crime-prevention strategies into their daily routines.
MoMAG Rallies for Enhanced Protection Measures
The event, which doubled as the Aflao Zone’s general meeting, also saw national leadership of MoMAG rallying behind calls for stronger insurance culture, security upgrades, and risk education across the mobile money ecosystem.
MoMAG National President, Mr. Edward Ofori Agyemang, lauded the Aflao Chapter for its high performance in membership, discipline, and dues compliance, ranking third nationally. However, he expressed grave concern over persistent robberies, fraud, and life-threatening attacks targeting mobile money agents.
“These aren’t just statistics; these are lives and livelihoods at risk,” Mr. Agyemang warned. “We must act decisively—secure your locations, avoid routine, and most importantly, insure your business.”
Anniversary Plans and Corporate Partnerships
In a show of unity and resolve, Mr. Agyemang also announced that MoMAG’s 8th Anniversary Celebration will be hosted in Aflao this October, recognizing the chapter’s resilience and engagement. Preparations for the event are underway, with the national body urging members to support the initiative.
The meeting also featured interactions with key stakeholders such as MTN, Telecel, and Enterprise Insurance, who briefed agents on enhanced services, fraud alerts, and insurance benefits tailored for mobile money operators.
Regional Representative Mr. Henyo Abednego Friday and Zonal Head Mr. Saviour Mawuena Kofi Ahiati both reaffirmed the group’s dedication to building a safe, financially secure mobile money network in the Volta Region.
A New Approach to Policing and Business
Aflao’s event signals a paradigm shift in addressing mobile money-related crimes—from reactive policing to community-based, knowledge-driven prevention. It was not just another meeting, but a reminder that security is a shared responsibility, requiring vigilance, adaptation, and collaboration between law enforcement, business owners, and telecom partners.
As threats evolve, so too must the methods to fight them—and Aflao’s MoMAG chapter appears ready to lead that charge.
