All internal custom barriers and check points at the country’s borders with neighbours will be permanently opened from September 1, 2017, Vice president Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed.
According to Dr. Bawumia, the decision is in line with government’s quest for economic integration in the sub-region.
Speaking during a courtesy call by members of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) Parliament, Dr Bawumia blamed the slow nature of the integration on the lack of political will on the part of respective governments over the years.
The move comes after Togo decided to maintain a 24hr opened border with Ghana after advocacy by President Akufo-Addo. The Aflao border hitherto opened at 5am and closed at 10pm daily.
Per the ECOWAS protocol, there should be free movement of goods and nationals of member countries, but that and many others have not seen the light of day due to what analyst refer to as the lack of political will and individualism of member countries.
The move by the Togolese government comes in the wake of a recent meeting between the Ghanaian President and the Togolese President, Faure Gnasimgbe. At the said meeting, President Akufo-Addo mentioned to his colleague that the time to ensure political and economic cohesion of the sub-region is now.
