Cross-border traders allege harassment, illegal levies without formal complaint channels
Women engaged in cross-border trading in Ghana continue to face harassment, arbitrary charges, confiscation of goods and security risks, with no formal mechanisms to report abuses at the country’s borders, stakeholders have revealed. The concerns were raised at a stakeholder dialogue on safe and inclusive trade at Ghana’s borders, organised by the Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in collaboration with the Ghana National AfCFTA Champions at Aflao in the Volta Region. Representatives of women traders from Elubo, Hamile, Paga, Aflao and Akanu recounted experiences of undocumented levies, harassment by officials, prolonged transit delays and the confiscation of their goods. They also identified limited access to information on approved border procedures and the absence of structured…