The National Security Secretariat has taken over operations at the Akom Axel Load Station in the Ashanti Region following reports of widespread misappropriation of government funds.
According to Alhaji Abubakar Nje, the Deputy Regional Security Coordinator, intelligence received revealed that certain individuals working at the facility were allegedly diverting revenue meant for the state. Instead of following proper procedures, they were reportedly failing to weigh trucks and pocketing the associated fees.
“We have taken over the Axel Load Station in Akom till further notice to restore order and safeguard government revenue,” Alhaji Nje told Adom News. He cited specific irregularities, noting that on June 4, nine vehicles were apprehended for bypassing procedures. However, during his supervision on June 9, only one vehicle had been officially recorded—raising concerns about significant revenue losses.
Kwame Yallo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Organiser for Afigya Kwabre North, also raised serious concerns, accusing some political actors of exploiting the station for personal gain. He alleged that just six months into the new administration, some individuals affiliated with the ruling party were profiting by deliberately avoiding the truck-weighing process.
Yallo claimed that when he confronted those involved, he was offered a bribe of "one car per week" to remain silent. “This is a major loss to the state. The revenue that should be going into government coffers is being taken by a few people for their own benefit,” he lamented.
He called on the government and the Ghana Highway Authority to urgently intervene, stressing that the illegal activities not only deprived the state of vital income but also contributed to the rapid deterioration of roads due to unchecked movement of overloaded trucks.
“The heavy trucks are destroying our roads while some individuals enrich themselves by refusing to weigh them. It’s unacceptable,” Yallo emphasized.
The takeover by National Security marks a critical step in addressing the issue, with further investigations expected into those implicated in the alleged misconduct.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem