95% of MoMo Robberies Are Inside Jobs – Criminologist Cautions
Dr. Jones Opoku Ware urges Mobile Money vendors to stay alert
- 95% of MoMo robberies stem from insider tip-offs, according to Dr. Jones Opoku Ware
- Vendors must be cautious with closing times, routes home, and observing customer behavior
- Criminologist advises using electronic methods to reduce cash handling risks
Dr. Jones Opoku Ware, a Criminology Lecturer at KNUST, has revealed that a staggering 95% of Mobile Money (MoMo) robberies in Ghana are orchestrated through insider tip-offs.
According to Dr. Opoku Ware, robbers often strike with confidence, knowing their plans are likely to succeed due to inside information.
This revelation follows a heartbreaking incident on Thursday, February 13, when Patricia Nimako, a young Mobile Money vendor in her late twenties, was fatally shot during a broad daylight robbery at her shop in Krofrom, Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking on the “Ghana Se Sen” Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio, Dr. Opoku Ware cautioned vendors to be extremely vigilant, particularly about their closing hours and routes home.
“Observe the actions and behavior of customers during transactions, and always be on high alert. Be cautious of those close to you—most of these robberies are enabled by people within,” he emphasized.
He also urged vendors to consider electronic alternatives for cash deposits to minimize the risks involved in handling large sums of money.
“If you can’t make it to the bank, use electronic transactions for your safety,” he advised.
Dr. Opoku Ware further encouraged the public to remain vigilant, especially those operating small businesses, as safety should always be a priority.
