Akanu-noepe: The ECOWAS Commission has engaged stakeholders at the Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region and Togo to sensitise border communities on the ECOWAS Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.
According to Ghana Web, the engagement brought together stakeholders from Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, focusing on deepening public understanding of the free movement protocol and addressing challenges confronting traders, travellers, and other users of the international corridor. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, encouraged border communities and residents to leverage the opportunities provided by the ECOWAS free movement protocol to enhance trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people relations among member states.
She emphasized that the free movement regime is a crucial instrument for achieving regional integration and improving economic activities among communities along the borders. The Vice President also urged residents to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the protocol and utilize the established channels to address challenges encountered in their movement across member states.
Samuel Basintale Amadu, the Comptroller-General of Ghana Immigration Service, advised travellers and other border users to remain security-conscious while taking advantage of the free movement regime. He highlighted the necessity for cooperation between security agencies and communities in identifying and reporting suspicious activities that could threaten the security of the sub-region.
Nana Birago Owusu-Ansah, the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the Suspense Regime, Free Zones, Warehousing, and Transit of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, advised traders and travellers to ensure possession of the requisite documents before attempting to cross international borders. She noted that proper documentation would facilitate smooth movement and reduce delays and other challenges at the borders.
The engagement also outlined plans for constructing a proposed six-lane highway linking C´te d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, and Nigeria. This project aims to boost trade and reduce travel time along the corridor, improve connectivity among the participating countries, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and strengthen economic activities along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.
Participants were informed that discussions on the proposal had already occurred and that it was currently before the ECOWAS Parliament for necessary consideration and action. The stakeholders advocated for continuous sensitisation of border communities, traders, transport operators, and travellers on the rights and responsibilities associated with the ECOWAS free movement protocol, believing that sustained education would help reduce misunderstandings at border points and enable residents to fully benefit from regional integration initiatives.
The Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post is a significant crossing point between Ghana and Togo, forming part of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, which connects several West African countries and serves as a major route for regional trade and movement.