By Leo Nelson Ayivor
Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner to Togo, H. E. Bright Solo Kumordzie has raised concerns over alleged extortion and harassment of travelers by some officials at the Aflao border crossing, calling for urgent action to protect the country’s image and facilitate smoother cross-border movement.
Speaking during a book launch in Accra, the deputy Ambassador noted that complaints from travelers, traders, and transport operators about unlawful charges and intimidation at the busy frontier between Ghana and Togo had become increasingly frequent.
According to him, such practices not only inconvenience legitimate travelers but also undermine the spirit of regional integration and trade within 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 stated.
He emphasized that the free movement protocol under ECOWAS was designed to encourage trade, tourism, and economic cooperation among member states, and therefore any form of extortion at border posts contradicts the objectives of the regional bloc.
The Aflao border crossing is one of the busiest entry and exit points in West Africa, serving thousands of traders and travelers daily between the Ghanaian border town of Aflao and the Togolese capital, Lomé. Traders operating along the corridor have long complained about unofficial payments demanded at various checkpoints, a situation they say increases the cost of doing business and discourages cross-border commerce.
The Deputy High Commissioner called on relevant authorities, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Revenue Authority, and other security agencies stationed at the border to investigate the allegations and ensure that officers adhere strictly to professional and ethical standards.
He stressed that improving transparency and accountability at the border would enhance Ghana’s reputation as a welcoming destination for trade and travel.
Local traders and transport operators welcomed the intervention, expressing hope that the concerns raised would lead to reforms that would eliminate unofficial payments and make the crossing process smoother.
The issue of extortion at border posts has remained a recurring concern for traders and travelers across West Africa, with stakeholders calling for stronger monitoring systems and stricter enforcement of regulations to protect legitimate cross-border activities.
H. E Bright Solo 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 regional trade and movement.