National Security operatives in the Ashanti Region, in collaboration with the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), have launched a joint investigation into allegations of embezzlement and corruption at the Axle Load Station located in Akom, within the Afigya Kwabre North District.
The probe was triggered by a protest staged by a group of aggrieved youth affiliated with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). On Monday, June 30, the group stormed the facility, alleging that fines collected from overloaded vehicles were being under-declared and siphoned by some officials.
According to the protesters, some personnel at the load station are engaged in unofficial deals with truck drivers, allowing them to continue their journeys with excess cargo without proper documentation or payment of appropriate fines. They further claimed that some drivers allegedly pay up to GHS 20,000 in cash to certain GHA staff in exchange for clearance—without receiving any official receipts.
National Security officers were deployed to the station to restore calm and maintain order following the demonstration. Since then, security personnel have remained at the site to ensure uninterrupted operations and prevent further misconduct.
The youth also raised serious concerns about discriminatory practices, accusing the station’s officials of targeting international truck drivers, while allowing others to bypass penalties through alleged collusion. They also alleged the existence of unauthorized checkpoints along the route, where GHA personnel reportedly extort money from drivers without providing receipts.
Amid these troubling claims, authorities have observed a noticeable decline in revenue from the axle load operations—fueling suspicions of widespread corruption and procedural lapses.
Speaking to the media, Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain (Rtd.) John Kwame Jabari, confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
“Yesterday, [Thursday, July 3], a team came to meet us at the RCC, and we reviewed some of the issues raised. The team assured us that they are working on the matter and will report back. I expect to hear from them by Monday,” he stated.
The joint investigation seeks to uncover the depth of the alleged financial irregularities, bring culpable individuals to justice, and restore public trust in the operations of the Ghana Highway Authority at the Akom axle load post.
