Mr Patrick Kwame Ahiabu, Presiding Member of the Akatsi North District Assembly, has held a stakeholder engagement with Mobile Money (MoMo) agents in the district.
To discuss their safety, welfare, and collaboration with the Assembly to curb the growing threat of armed robbery targeting MoMo operators.
The meeting, held at the District Assembly Hall in Ave-Dakpa, aimed to initiate dialogue between the Assembly and the MoMo business community, as well as to propose proactive measures to enhance security for the agents.
Mr. Ahiabu emphasised the urgent need for MoMo agents to operate from secure, enclosed structures rather than open spaces, given the financial nature of their work.
"Just like banks, which have well-structured buildings and security personnel to protect both staff and customers, mobile money agents should also prioritize safety in their operations," he stated.
He noted that the recent string of robberies and killings of MoMo agents, starting from Sogakope through Akatsi and most recently in Aflao, is a growing concern that now threatens the Akatsi North area.
"It is drawing closer, and we must act now as a district to prevent such incidents from happening here," Mr. Ahiabu stressed.
He also highlighted the importance of business development in Akatsi North and the need to keep pace with neighboring districts and municipalities in terms of growth and security infrastructure.
The MoMo agents welcomed the initiative and expressed their readiness to work closely with the Assembly to enhance their safety.
They appealed to the District Assembly for increased security support, especially due to the absence of banking facilities in the district capital.
Many of them said they are forced to travel to nearby districts or municipalities for banking transactions, which increases their exposure to robbery.
The agents also called on the Assembly to engage motorcycle riders in the district and discourage them from transporting unfamiliar customers to agents' homes after working hours, citing it as a potential security risk.
In response, Mr. Ahiabu assured them that their concerns would be tabled at the next General Assembly meeting for further discussion and action.
He also encouraged the agents to join professional associations such as the Mobile Money Advocacy Group (MOMAG), which could support them with safety education, legal representation, and business sustainability measures.
"We must all work together-Assembly and business community-to ensure the safety and progress of our district," he concluded.