The President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs (VRHC), Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, has called for the immediate removal of two inland immigration checkpoints at Asikuma and Sogakope, as well as a police barrier at Juapong.

Speaking during a general meeting of the House in Ho, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV described the security posts as unnecessary and disruptive, arguing that they serve no meaningful purpose for travellers and often result in undue harassment of passengers, including traditional leaders and dignitaries.

He noted that immigration posts are meant to be situated at the country’s official entry and exit points, not at inland locations where they inconvenience the general public.

He added that the initial justification for these posts — the threat of secessionist activities in the Volta Region — no longer exists.

The VRHC President criticised the requirement for travellers to disembark from buses and walk several metres before reboarding, describing it as unjustified and discriminatory, particularly as such practices are not observed in other parts of the country.

Togbe Tepre Hodo IV also raised concerns about the conduct of some immigration officers, accusing them of humiliating passengers without cause.

He recounted instances where chiefs, fully dressed in royal regalia, were forced to leave their vehicles and open their car boots at checkpoints, particularly at the Sogakope and Asikuma posts.

The House of Chiefs is calling on the relevant authorities to take swift action to dismantle these inland checkpoints and restore dignity and ease of travel to residents and visitors of the Volta Region.