Elubo: Professor Ransford Gyampo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority, has urged officers at the border not to undermine the country's interest in international trade. He emphasized the importance of growing the transit trade to generate revenue for Ghana's development and alleviate poverty and underdevelopment.

According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Gyampo made these remarks during his visit to the freight park at the Elubo border in the Western Region. During his visit, he addressed key stakeholders involved in regulating and promoting international trade, stressing that export markets would be a primary focus under his administration to drive growth. He underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that businesses reserved for Ghanaians are not taken over by foreigners. He assured that the Legislative Instrument to operationalize the Shippers Law Act 1122 of 2024 would be implemented soon.

The visit also brought attention to the challenges faced by the Elubo border, which is the second largest land border in Ghana and a crucial entry point for cargo. Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Louis Dan Mennia, highlighted the infrastructure challenges in managing the growing freight sector and emphasized the need for more resources to handle the daily cargo volumes effectively. Commander Mennia also noted the necessity for designated spaces for the safe handling of explosives transiting through the corridor to prevent potential disasters.

Stakeholders expressed concerns over delays caused by shipping lines, resulting in demurrage costs passed on to consumers. They also stressed the need for extended working hours, improved machinery for surveillance, and enhanced scanning and processing capabilities at the border to ensure efficiency and safety. The Border Security Force was recognized for its efforts to reduce accidents through collective action and better traffic management at the border.