The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has introduced measures aimed at significantly addressing the frequent attacks on mobile money vendors in the region.
The Regional Security Council (RECSEC) convened an emergency meeting yesterday to discuss the escalating violence against these mobile money vendors.
In the past month alone, three operators have been attacked and tragically killed.
The first victim was Patricia Nimako, a mobile money vendor in Krofrom, who was attacked on February 13, 2025, right in front of her shop.
The assailants made off with 10,000 cedis.
Another victim, 33-year-old Augustine Mensah, was murdered by robbers at Manso-Asamang while returning home from work after completing a transaction at a customer’s house.
Additionally, a 25-year-old mobile money vendor, known as Junior, was found dead in his room at the Kwadaso Onion Market in Kumasi on March 8.
While the mobile money business has experienced significant growth and high patronage in the country, it has unfortunately attracted the attention of criminals.
These attacks have instilled fear in potential new entrants considering starting a mobile money business and have caused anxiety among current operators.
Measures To Curb The Attacks On Mobile Money Vendors
In a Facebook post, Dr. Amoakohene outlined four measures to address these challenges:
1. A bounty will be placed on anyone providing credible information leading to the arrest of suspects.
2. Security forces will be redeployed to enhance police visibility and ensure public safety.
3. Mobile money vendors will undergo a safety workshop to educate them on precautionary measures for their business.
4. Law enforcement will intensify efforts to crack down on the use of unregistered motorcycles.
The Minister believes these steps will significantly improve the situation in the region.
