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Ghanaian rapper Kweku Smoke has expressed frustration over what he describes as repeated demands for money by police officers at checkpoints, raising fresh concerns about alleged extortion on the country’s roads.
The rapper took to social media to share his experience, accusing officers along his route of repeatedly demanding money even after he had allegedly paid at an earlier checkpoint.
In a video shared online, Kweku Smoke questioned the conduct of the officers, describing what he said was a frustrating cycle of payments and newly established barriers.
Kweku Smoke Questions Repeated Checkpoint Demands
According to the rapper, paying at one checkpoint did not end the encounter. He alleged that the same officers would drive ahead, establish another barrier and demand money from him again.
“I have been repeatedly paying money to these police officers on this road. Right after paying at the barrier, you will see the same officers passing behind to set up another barrier ahead to demand the same money from me. Why are you behaving like this?” he complained.
His account has drawn attention to concerns about alleged misconduct by some law enforcement officers and the frustration motorists may experience when confronted with demands they consider unjustified.
The specific circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identities of the officers involved and whether the allegations have been independently verified, remain unclear.
“If I Fly, Problem; If I Drive, Problem”
Beyond expressing his anger, Kweku Smoke used humour and sarcasm to describe what he sees as the growing difficulties of travelling for work.
The rapper suggested that whether he chooses to travel by road or by air, he still encounters problems. He joked that he might have to increase his professional fees to account for the unexpected expenses.
“If I fly, problem; if I drive, problem. Afor start dey add VAT to ma bookings,” he said.
The comment, delivered in his characteristic informal style, appeared to suggest that he could start factoring such costs into his booking fees if the alleged situation continued.
Police Conduct Under the Spotlight
Kweku Smoke’s complaint has brought renewed attention to the issue of alleged roadside extortion and the need for accountability in law enforcement.
While police checkpoints may serve legitimate security and traffic enforcement purposes, allegations of officers demanding unofficial payments raise questions about public trust and the treatment of motorists.
The rapper’s account remains an allegation, and further information would be needed to establish exactly what occurred. Nevertheless, his comments have added to the wider conversation about the experiences of road users and the importance of ensuring that police operations are conducted lawfully and transparently.
For now, Kweku Smoke’s proposed solution of adding VAT to his bookings appears to be a sarcastic response to his frustration. But his underlying complaint raises a more serious question: how can motorists report alleged misconduct and be confident that their concerns will be addressed?
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