Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Mobile Money Association of Ghana, Mr. Charles Addo, has expressed worry that authorities in this country are not interested in the safety, security, and activities of mobile money agents.
He said the government is only interested in collecting taxes from them but not interested in their welfare despite the immense contributions their activities have on the economy.
‘’The government is only interested in policies and taxes but is not interested in our safety and security. They only take taxes from us and have abandoned us in terms of our safety and security. It is so painful,’’ he said in reference to the killing of a momo agent at Krofrom in the Ashanti region by armed robbers.
He urged the government to prioritise the safety and security of mobile money agents.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he said,’We are urging the government to prioritise security for mobile money agents. We were in this country when the ruling government promised to roll out a 24-hour economy policy. But if for the 12 hours mobile money agents are being killed, then how can the policy succeed?’’
He also urged the Ghana Police Service to increase visibility in prime areas to prevent criminals from robbing traders and business owners.
Mr. Addo asked the Inspector of Police to interact with mobile money agents every quarter in the bid to give them information or training on the new ways criminals are operating.
“We also request that the IGP meet with agents or their leadership every quarter to provide us with information or train us on new ways that criminals operate so that we can be alert and well informed.”
He then advised mobile money agents to take their security into their own hands and avoid dealing with persons who come to them on motorbikes to transact business, adding that ‘’some of these individuals use the motorbikes to execute their robberies since it gives them the opportunity to escape easily after they have robbed agents. The most important thing to also encourage is that our members must avoid any verbal blows with armed persons who pounce on them to rob. If they demand the money, give it to them and stay alive.’’
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana