-Volta Corridor Checkpoints turned into Cashpoints Extorting from Drivers and Passengers
-MTTD Runs mobile- money Machine disguised as welfare
TNR Files
Mobile Money A forensic audit of a mobile money wallet linked to the Volta Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) shows that nearly GH¢196,000 was deposited over nine months, raising serious questions about systematic corruption within the unit.
The account, registered as “MTTD/HO WELFARE” (0540751376), received 636 deposits totalling GH¢195,830.04 between October 2025 and July 2026, according to documents obtained by The New Republic. Withdrawals amounted to GH¢79,410.46, leaving a closing balance of GH¢115,981.70 an average monthly intake of roughly GH¢22,000.
The wallet operated across two balance domains – a Transfer Wallet and a Crowdfunding Wallet – which together accounted for the total figures. The Transfer Wallet held GH¢105,155.04 in deposits and GH¢73,835.46 in withdrawals, while the Crowdfunding Wallet received GH¢90,675.00 and saw just GH¢5,575.00 withdrawn.
Structured collection system
Sources familiar with the arrangement describe a centralised bribery operation rather than isolated extortion. Officers at checkpoints are expected to collect from motorists and remit proceeds into the “welfare” account, with funds later shared according to rank senior officers taking larger portions.
The system operates with weekly collection targets based on the earning potential of duty stations. The busiest corridors around Sogakope and Juapong reportedly carry targets of GH¢3,500 4,000 per week, while less lucrative postings face around GH¢400.
Officers work in teams of five to twelve under an internal arrangement dubbed “Wobedibi” Twi for “you will eat some”. Access to the wallet is controlled centrally through the command structure’s security PIN, enabling leadership to oversee fund movements.
Checkpoint proliferation
The investigation also highlights the unusually high number of police checkpoints along the Accra-Aflao highway motorists reportedly encounter as many as eighteen between the two cities. Sources claim many of these checkpoints disappear whenever the President travels through the Volta Region.
The emphasis on revenue generation has reportedly weakened enforcement against motorists willing to pay unofficial sums rather than face formal sanctions.
Command oversight
Sources allege that officers who decline to participate are marginalised, deliberately omitted from deployment rosters for lucrative checkpoints. The preparation of duty rosters is said to be personally overseen by the Ho MTTD Unit Commander, Chief Superintendent Benedicta Akpene Ansah.
The New Republic first wrote to Chief Superintendent Ansah on 8 July 2026 with a detailed questionnaire. Repeated follow-ups went unanswered. The newspaper says it remains willing to publish any response.
The MTTD has long been identified as the institution most frequently associated with bribery in Ghana. This investigation suggests the problem in the Volta Region is not merely sporadic but organised a parallel revenue system operating under the guise of welfare.