The Volta Regional House of Chiefs has once again appealed to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to dismantle inland security barriers located at Sogakope and Asikuma, arguing that their continued presence is unnecessary and degrading to commuters.

Speaking at the House’s final meeting for 2025 held in Ho on Tuesday, December 23, the President of the House, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, described the barriers as counterproductive and inconsistent with national interest. He said the checkpoints serve no meaningful security purpose but instead subject travelers to undue harassment.

According to Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, who is also the Paramount Chief of Anfoega, neither Sogakope nor Asikuma functions as an official entry or exit point into the country, adding that there is no credible threat from the Western Togoland Group to justify inland immigration checks in the area.

He stressed that the removal of the barriers would help restore the dignity of travelers and called on the Volta Regional Minister to facilitate a meeting between the House and the Minister for the Interior to fully address the issue.

“We do not see such inland immigration checkpoints in other regions of Ghana, so we need clarity on why Volta continues to have them,” he stated.

Adding to the concerns, the Paramount Chief of Amugo-Vego, Togbui Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VII, recounted an incident in which he was stopped at the Sogakope barrier and asked to produce his passport while traveling from Accra. He described the encounter as intimidating and disrespectful, noting that it occurred in the presence of his wife and children.

He lamented that officers whose salaries and uniforms are funded by taxpayers could subject citizens, including traditional leaders, to such treatment.

In response, Volta Regional Minister James Gunu assured the chiefs that he would promptly arrange a meeting with the Interior Minister to discuss the matter and seek a resolution.