The Motor Traffic and Transport Units of the Nima, Adenta and Madina Police in the Greater Accra Region are alleged to be the worst offenders when it comes to extorting from unsuspecting drivers in the metropolis.
The Director General of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) DCOP Andrew Angwubutoge Awuni made the allegations Wednesday December 17, when he met with officers of the MTTU drawn from Accra and Tema.
“Tell your boys that it has come to the notice of the [Police] administration that they are extorting between GH ?500 and GH ?600 on the basis that they are charging spot fines”.
He added “ the allegations of extortions at Nima Police station is too much. As at yesterday somebody complained an amount of GH? 1600 was collected from him as spot fine. Another said GH? 30 was taken from her. [Adenta and the other one Madina] there’s lots of complains coming about MTTU there. If we start whipping don’t blame anybody “.
DCOP Awuni explained this was criminal since article 157 of the Road Transport Regulation 2012( L.I 2180) on spot fines has not been implemented yet.
He said the regulation on spot fines ( L.I. 2180) may come into force next year after all the necessary background works have been done and the due date communicated.
Until then “ don’t go out there and start charging spot fines when it has not been implemented. Any police officer who is caught would be punished” he warned.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police also recounted a video of a police officer caught demanding money from a driver early this year that went viral on social media and said disciplinary action has been taken against that officer.
“You may be doing it and thinking nobody sees you but remember people have the gadgets, and they will capture it and put it on social media”.