Fertilizers and various products have seen a substantial increase in smuggling activities at the Ghana-Burkina Faso border points in the Upper East Region. Word News Investigation by the reporter revealed that these borders serve as convenient conduits for the illegal movement of large volumes of cargo.
On any given day, a visit to these borders shows a hive of activity, with a wide range of goods—including fertilizers, petroleum products, soft drinks, yams, wood, and second-hand bicycles—making their way through unapproved routes. Unverified allegations suggest that these activities go unchecked due to the involvement of influential people in the smuggling rackets.
In Mognori, a significant border area in the Bawku Municipality, tricycles loaded with goods cross the border unhindered, even with security personnel nearby. These operations contribute to large-scale illicit financial flows, with goods exiting the country through both unapproved and approved routes. Alarmingly, some high-profile individuals have been seen transporting large consignments of goods, including fertilizers and soft drinks. Additionally, fuel stations have sprung up in local communities to service the increased traffic of vehicles.
Seidu Salifu, the assembly member for the Mognori electoral area, downplays the issue, claiming that only small items, such as groceries, are being moved. He attributes the activities to the social relationships between Ghanaians and the nearby Burkinabe communities.
Azonko, a local security guard at the Mognori River, assists Ghanaians crossing from Burkina Faso. He notes, “Most of the people come from Burkina Faso to buy drinks, bicycles, and other goods. Everyone is chasing their own business.”
Border officials at the Zebilla Barrier express alarm at the increasing trade activities, fearing that Ghana could be losing millions of cedis annually due to smuggling. A truck driver shared, “I came with my truck fully loaded with fertilizer. Everything is going to Burkina Faso; however, I have refused to let my vehicle go, so they want to transfer it to a different vehicle.”
Key border points in the Upper East Region include Paga, Gulen, Bongo, Nangodi, Lamboya, Mognore, and Kulugungu. On the Burkinabe side, some main border communities are Dankana, Batie Nord, Ouessa, Boura, Léo, Bieha, Songo, and Youga. Security agencies from both countries are stationed at these borders to collect revenue and regulate the movement of people and goods. However, the persistent and increasing levels of smuggling indicate that their efforts are not as effective as they should be, with suggestions that some officials may be compromised or unable to cope with advanced smuggling techniques.
*This project received support from the Thomson Reuters Foundation through the Media Foundation for West Africa, aimed at strengthening free, fair, and informed societies. Any financial assistance provided to the journalist has no editorial influence. The content of this article belongs solely to the author and is not endorsed by or associated with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Thomson Reuters, Reuters, or any other affiliates*
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya