Ghanaian women traders demand action against border harassment in West Africa
Ghanaian women traders working across West African borders continue to face harassment and illegal fees despite holding valid documents. The National Cross-Border Women Traders Association (NCBWTA) has now called on the government to act with the same urgency shown in a recent case involving Ghanaians in Israel.
The group highlighted ongoing abuses along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, where traders with proper ECOWAS and professional IDs still suffer violations of free movement rules.
The NCBWTA praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for its quick handling of the Israel incident. But it stressed that similar speed is needed to protect Ghanaian traders along key trade routes.
Traders report frequent extortion and harassment at the Togo border and within Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. These issues persist even though the women carry all required identification under ECOWAS protocols.
To tackle the problem, the association proposed a rapid-response system to address abuses in real time. It also urged the creation of joint trade committees at all approved border points, involving stakeholders from each country. These committees would focus on trader concerns and improve regional cooperation.
Additionally, the NCBWTA called for high-level diplomatic talks with Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. The goal is to enforce ECOWAS agreements on free movement and trade, ensuring traders can work without unnecessary obstacles.
The association’s recommendations include a new reporting mechanism, cross-border committees, and direct negotiations with neighbouring governments. If implemented, these steps could reduce illegal fees and harassment for Ghanaian traders. The next move now rests with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and regional partners.
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