Ketu south: The Trans-Border Business Network, a trade advocacy group with a focus on women, has increased its efforts to educate cross-border traders in the Ketu South Municipality on compliance with trade regulations and safe business practices.
According to Ghana Web, the initiative aims to equip women involved in daily cross-border trading with essential knowledge of approved procedures, legal requirements, and opportunities within the sector to enhance their businesses and livelihoods. Mabel Yayra Ayiyor, Co-founder of the Network, mentioned that many traders unknowingly use unapproved routes along the Ghana-Togo border, risking the seizure of their goods and significant financial losses.
Ayiyor explained that traders who do not comply with Customs procedures could face penalties up to 300 percent of the duty, which often leads to the abandonment of goods. The engagement was designed to encourage traders to use approved border posts, comply with regulations, and understand their rights and responsibilities to avoid exploitation.
Officials from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority participated in the programme, educating traders on the importance of paying duties on imported goods to support government revenue mobilisation. They noted that compliance not only protects traders from penalties but also allows them to sell their goods openly without fear of seizure or harassment by enforcement officers.
Customs officials also encouraged traders to form or join associations, highlighting that group trading could enhance coordination, reduce costs through bulk purchasing, and improve compliance with regulations. Additionally, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) warned participants about the dangers of dealing in unregulated pharmaceutical products, cautioning against buying drugs from unverified sources.
Concerns were raised about the use of unsuspecting children in transporting contraband goods across borders, urging parents to monitor their wards closely. Ayiyor emphasised the benefits of organising traders into structured groups to strengthen bargaining power and promote discipline in adherence to trade regulations.
She described the programme as impactful, noting the keen interest and willingness of participants to adopt the knowledge gained. Ayiyor announced that the next engagement, scheduled for August, would avoid major market days to ensure wider participation, and reaffirmed the Network's commitment to collaborating with state agencies to sustain education and compliance among cross-border traders.