KMA Task Force On Extortion Spree �As Kumasi Drivers Resort To Curses

Drivers plying the routes of Kejetia from suburbs such as Atonsu, Aputuogya and Ahodwo in the Kumasi Metropolis are threatening to rain curses on the KMA Task force Member for acts of extortion. The drivers have severally complained about the increasing rate at which their vehicles are impounded and how they are being unduly extorted by these operatives. Speaking to GO on condition of anonymity, these aggrieved drivers expressed their frustration at the turn of events. According to them, having been given the recently launched destination stickers which authorized them to ply the Kejetia route, the Task Force should have allowed accredited vehicles free access to the main market arena. But they say this has not been the case, as they are frequently and increasingly being harassed each step of the way right to the Kejetia terminal. From their early morning rounds up till they close in the evening thee drivers claimed they are extorted heavily. They revealed most of their colleagues had had to stay home or stop plying the Kejetia market due to the worrying degree of extortions being carried out by the KMA branded Task Force members. They say an amount of Four (4) cedis is daily collected from each �erring� driver who uses the Hello FM stretch of route to the main Kejetia terminal. Meanwhile, in an interview with the spokesperson of the Metro Chief Executive, Sammy Gyamfi expressed shock at this latest report. He said all vehicles have been given destination stickers and so no Task Force member can or has the right to restrict any accredited vehicle from plying their designated route. He said the Mayor is seriously concerned about the free movement of vehicles and would therefore not allow any of the Assembly�s assigns to thwart his effort by any kind of extortion. �As a human institution, we do recognize that not all our assigns will do as they have been told in the line of duty and we as an Assembly are determined to rid any erring member out of the KMA Task Force,� he noted. �The Assembly is committed to ensuring all regulations guiding free vehicular movement are adhered to by all drivers in the Kumasi Metropolis,� the spokesperson drummed.