Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner to Togo, Bright Solo Kumordzie, has raised serious concerns over alleged harassment and extortion of travelers at the Aflao border, urging authorities to take swift action to safeguard Ghana’s image and promote smooth cross-border trade.
Speaking during a book launch event in Accra, the deputy high commissioner noted that complaints from traders, travelers, and transport operators using the busy border between Ghana and Togo have been increasing in recent times. Many of them, he said, report facing intimidation and being asked to pay unofficial fees before they are allowed to cross.
According to him, such practices not only inconvenience legitimate travelers but also undermine the spirit of regional cooperation and trade promoted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“The Aflao border is one of the most important gateways between Ghana and Togo, and it must reflect the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency,” he stressed.
Mr. Kumordzie explained that the ECOWAS protocol on free movement was designed to encourage trade, tourism, and economic collaboration among member states. Any form of extortion or unnecessary restrictions at border posts, he added, runs contrary to the objectives of regional integration.
The crossing between Aflao and Lomé is one of the busiest in West Africa, handling thousands of travelers and traders every day. However, traders operating along the corridor say unofficial payments demanded at different checkpoints continue to increase the cost of doing business and discourage cross-border commerce.
The situation has also begun to affect local traders in Aflao, many of whom depend on the Togo market to purchase goods for resale. Some traders complain that although they live in Aflao, they are unable to cross into Togo freely to shop and conduct business as they used to.
Market women and traders say their businesses are suffering because they cannot easily travel across the border to access goods and services. Many of them rely on the nearby Lomé markets for supplies, and restrictions on movement are making their work increasingly difficult.
Observers say the situation contradicts broader efforts by African leaders to promote free trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to encourage the movement of goods, services, and people across the continent to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty.
Traders argue that if Africa is serious about boosting intra-continental trade, unnecessary barriers at border posts must be addressed not only at the Aflao-Togo crossing but across the region.
Within the ECOWAS framework, citizens are allowed to travel within member states without visas for short stays and commercial activities. Stakeholders therefore believe immigration officers and other border officials must be mindful of these agreements and apply them in ways that support small-scale traders.
The deputy high commissioner called on key institutions stationed at the border, including the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Revenue Authority, to investigate the complaints and ensure that officers strictly adhere to professional and ethical standards.
He added that improving transparency and accountability at border posts would strengthen Ghana’s reputation as a welcoming destination for trade and travel.
Traders and transport operators who frequently use the corridor welcomed the intervention, expressing hope that the concerns raised will lead to reforms that eliminate unofficial charges and make the crossing process smoother.
Concerns about extortion and restrictions at border posts remain a recurring issue across West Africa, with many stakeholders calling for stronger monitoring systems and stricter enforcement of regional trade protocols.
Mr. Kumordzie reiterated Ghana’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Togo to ensure that the Aflao–Lomé corridor remains a safe, efficient, and corruption-free gateway for trade and movement across the sub-region.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe/Ahotoronline.com