By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
Roadside traders and hawkers operating along the Sogakope stretch of the Accra–Aflao highway are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama and his government not to remove Ghana Immigration Service officers from key checkpoints in the area.
According to the traders, the presence of immigration officers at checkpoints in Sogakope, Dabala, and surrounding communities plays an important role not only in national security but also in sustaining the livelihoods of many informal sector workers.
Speaking in interviews captured in a video report by News Volta on Pepsino TV, several traders explained that whenever security officers conduct routine passenger checks, vehicles are required to stop briefly, allowing passengers to step out.
During those moments, passengers often patronise local food vendors, fruit sellers, and petty traders operating along the roadside.
The traders say this activity provides them with daily income that supports their families and small businesses.
Many of the traders emphasized that roadside trading remains one of the few employment opportunities available to residents in the area.
They explained that the presence of checkpoints has unintentionally created small economic hubs where travellers interact with local vendors.
According to them, if immigration officers are withdrawn from these checkpoints, vehicles may pass through the towns without stopping, which could significantly reduce their customer base and daily earnings.
“We depend on the brief stops made at these checkpoints. When passengers come down from the vehicles, they buy water, food, fruits and other items from us. That is how we survive,” one trader said.
The traders are therefore appealing to the government to consider the economic impact such decisions may have on the informal sector before implementing any changes to the checkpoint system.
They also acknowledged the importance of the immigration officers’ work in protecting the country’s borders and ensuring proper monitoring of travellers.
However, they urged authorities to maintain the checkpoints or introduce alternative arrangements that would not affect the livelihoods of local traders.
Economic analysts note that the informal sector plays a crucial role in Ghana’s economy, providing employment and income for thousands of citizens who may not have access to formal job opportunities.
For many roadside traders in towns along major highways, passing travellers represent an important source of daily income.
As discussions continue about security operations and road checkpoints, residents say they hope policymakers will find a balance between national security responsibilities and the economic survival of small traders who depend on roadside commerce.
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Source News Volta
