By Michael Foli Jackidy

Dzodze (V/R), May 20, GNA – Mr Edward Ofori Agyemang, National Chairman of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group (MoMAG), says the association has written to the Minister for the Interior and the IGP to discuss recent threats and killings of his members in the country.

He noted that while the Interior Minister has acknowledged receipt of their letter, they are currently awaiting a fixed date for a formal engagement to chart a sustainable way forward for the protection of mobile money operators nationwide.

Mr. Agyemang made this known during a stakeholder meeting with Mobile Money Agents in Dzodze, Ketu North Municipality, as part of MoMAG’s ongoing outreach in the Volta Region on Sunday, May 18.

The call for engagement follows recent incidents in Kumasi and Aflao, where mobile money agents were attacked and killed by armed robbers.

He commended the police for arresting suspects in both cases, including the murder of an agent named Patricia in Kumasi and four others linked to the Aflao incident.

“We are closely following up with the Interior Minister and police leadership to implement urgent security measures to prevent further attacks,” Mr. Agyemang stressed.

He urged mobile money agents to adopt strict safety protocols, such as avoiding carrying large sums of money and not allowing customers to make unusually high withdrawals.

“If someone wants to withdraw GH¢10,000 or GH¢20,000, don’t process that request immediately. Even banks and ATMs limit such transactions. Large withdrawals signal to robbers that you have cash on hand,” he cautioned.

He also advised agents to close their shops by 1800hours, especially when visibility is low, and to always arrange for someone to accompany them home for safety.

“Don’t respond to calls from unknown persons asking whether you have certain amounts available. That information should never be shared, even at the bank level,” he emphasised.

Mr. Stephen Quarcoo Gorman, MoMAG Executive Member in charge of Operations, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, reinforced the group’s education campaign on risk management and fraud prevention.

He encouraged agents to insist that customers arriving on motorbikes remove their helmets before conducting transactions to identify potential threats.

“Even banks, with their security setups, close at 1630hours., so it’s risky for agents to operate late into the evening,” he said.

He also revealed that MoMAG has introduced life and hospitalization insurance for its members and encouraged agents to diversify their business operations.

“We always advise our members not to rely solely on mobile money. Add other businesses-phone accessories, airtime, or other products—to ensure multiple income streams,” Mr. Gorman added.

Volta Regional Representative of MoMAG, Mr. Friday Henyo Abednego, also urged agents to join the association for support and benefits.

He advised that during an attack, agents should cooperate with the assailants and avoid any resistance to ensure their safety.

“Don’t try to identify or confront the attackers. Obey their instructions and stay alive,” he said.

Mr. Emmanuel Agbaxode, Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for the Volta/Oti Region, who was also present, described MoMAG as a vibrant association and encouraged all agents in the region to be part of it.

He emphasised the need for unity among mobile money agents and urged them to organize under one strong umbrella for better advocacy and protection.

Mobile Money Agents at the meeting expressed enthusiasm about the insights shared and pledged their commitment to join MoMAG to benefit from the support systems being provided.

GNA

MA/Kenneth Odeng Adade