A/R: National Security, Highway Authority probe alleged embezzlement at Axle Load Station at Akom

National Security Operatives in the Ashanti Region and the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) have launched a joint investigation into corruption allegations at the Axle Load Station at Akom in the Afigya Kwabre North District in the Ashanti Region.

The probe follows a protest by some youth of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), who stormed the facility on Monday, June 30, alleging that fines collected from overloaded vehicles are being under-declared and embezzled.

Officials of the National Security in the Ashanti Region intervened to restore order at the load station following protests by irate youth over alleged financial misappropriation.

The youth, who besieged the axle load station managed by the Ghana Highway Authority, alleged that fines collected from overloaded vehicles are being under-declared and embezzled.

They also claimed that some officials were striking unofficial deals with drivers, allowing them to continue their journeys with excess cargo.

Additionally, the youth accused officials of specifically targeting international trucks, asserting that some drivers pay as much as GHS20,000 to Ghana Highway Authority personnel at the post to proceed with overloaded cargo—without any official receipts.

This development prompted the intervention of National Security, which has since stationed officers at the facility to ensure uninterrupted operations.

National Security officers in the Ashanti Region have begun engaging with the Ghana Highway Authority to address the concerns.

Officials have also raised concerns over declining revenue, alleging that some truck drivers—believed to be colluding with workers—are bypassing proper procedures to avoid penalties.

The investigation is further focusing on allegations that some Ghana Highway Authority officers have set up unauthorised checkpoints along the route to extort money from drivers, again without issuing receipts.

Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain (Rtd.) John Kwame Jabari addressed the media and confirmed that investigations are currently underway.

“Yesterday, {Thursday, July 3}, they brought a team to come and meet us at the RCC, and we went over some of the issues. The team promised that they are going to work on it and get back to us. I am sure by Monday they will do so,” he said.

-citinewsroom