Restoration of checkpoints reaffirms equal citizenship and dignity – Volta Regional Minister

Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has said the restoration of inland checkpoints in the Volta Region to their original purpose is a significant step toward promoting dignity, equal citizenship and fair treatment for all residents.

According to him, many people in the region perceived the operations of some checkpoints under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration as discriminatory and inconsistent with the constitutional rights of citizens.

In a social media post on Monday, June 22, Mr. Gunu acknowledged the importance of security checkpoints in maintaining law and order but argued that the manner in which some of them operated in the past left many residents feeling targeted because of their region, language or physical appearance.

“Citizenship is not determined by appearance. It is not determined by accent. It is not determined by ethnic background. Citizenship is a constitutional status that belongs equally to every Ghanaian regardless of region, tribe, religion, or political affiliation,” he stated.

Mr. Gunu noted that many travellers in the Volta Region had, over the years, complained about repeated questioning, prolonged inspections and demands to prove their identity.

He said some citizens alleged that they were judged based on their appearance, mode of dressing or inability to speak certain Ghanaian languages, a situation he believes undermined national unity and the principle of equal treatment.

The Minister also expressed concern about reports that some travellers were required to disembark from vehicles and walk through checkpoint barriers, often under difficult weather conditions or late at night.

According to him, such experiences posed particular challenges for elderly persons, pregnant women, persons living with disabilities and families travelling with young children.

“The restoration of these checkpoints to their intended purpose therefore carries significance beyond administrative reform. It represents an opportunity to rebuild trust between citizens and state institutions,” he said.

Mr. Gunu commended President John Dramani Mahama and Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak for what he described as decisive leadership and efforts to ensure that security operations are conducted in a manner that respects the rights, dignity and freedoms of all citizens.