C/R: Angry Drivers Accuse Police Of Extortion And Harassment
Commercial drivers plying Assin Fosu-Cape Coast, Mankessim, and Assin Nyankumasi roads have appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare to discipline police officers assigned to various duty checkpoints on that stretch of roads.
The disgruntled drivers accused the police officers who are particularly assigned to Ogua Kuma Barrier near Nyamoransa in the Central Region of indiscriminate extortion and harassment.
They believe the activities of some of the police personnel are not only to shortchange the drivers but also to fill their pockets and not to enforce traffic laws and regulations.
They alleged the personnel extort from them between Gh¢5.00 and Gh¢20.00 on every trip they make on that route and failure to kowtow to their request would amount to time-wasting and the threat of court.
Some of them reiterated that the police personnel immediately seized their licenses and bargained with them starting from Gh¢500.00 for minor defects on the vehicle.
The angry drivers, however, denied the claim that they rather force bribes on the police officers on the road to avoid arrest.
On the other hand, the Second in Command (2iC) of the Central Regional GPRTU Union Guards, Mrs. Mercy Ampong urged the Heads of the Cape Coast Metropolitan City Guards to immediately address the rampant extortion allegations leveled against its members.
She explained her outfit had received a series of complaints from drivers about how the staff of CCMA City Guards who are in charge of Parking Tickets close from work as early as 2 pm instead of 5 pm and return to extort money from drivers without issuing them a receipt of the payment.
She alleged the guards after arresting the drivers illegally charged them to pay between Gh¢100.00 cedis and Gh¢300.00, she described the situation as very absurd undermining the integrity of the CCMA.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer for Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, Dr. Richmond Yeboah responding to the allegations says it could not be true and that whoever has a proven case of extortion should report it to the office for action.
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