A trader group, Volta Region Cross-Border Traders’ Association has called for investigations into the activities of a leader for an extortionist group, Maxwell Lugudor “who claims he operates under the instructions and supervision of the National Security Coordinator.”
According to the group, the activities of Maxwell Lugudor and his group have the tendency to deprive government of the needed revenue to undertake development projects in the country because some people have already resorted to taking unapproved routes to avoid being extorted.
At a media briefing to submit their petition to the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa on Friday, July 27 in Ho, Chairman of the group, Mr. Prosper Tagborlo accused Mr. Lugudor of using threats to extort huge sums of money from the members.
“Although our members pay more than 90% duties on their goods, the said Maxwell Lugudor has been extorting money from them under the threat of arresting them and confiscating their goods if they fail to pay him. He takes various sums of money, sometimes, Gh¢4,000.00 at other times, Gh¢10, 000.00, etc.”
The group is therefore calling on government to stop these activities else they will have no option than to join the others in passing the various unapproved roads which consequently will deny government of revenue.
The Regional Minister upon receiving the petition expressed disgust at the alleged activities of the said Maxwell Lugudor and promised to investigate for appropriate steps to be taken.
Meanwhile, he advised members of the group to alert the police any time such extortionists come their way.
By: Ewoenam Kpodo/voltaonlinegh.com
