As Ghana positions itself as a beacon of Pan-African unity with plans to grant broader access to Africans entering the country, a pressing contradiction persists within its own borders. The numerous police, immigration, and customs barriers scattered across major highways raise serious concerns about the country’s readiness to fully embrace the ideals of free movement, particularly under the ECOWAS Protocol.
A journey from Kumasi to Wa, which should ordinarily be a straightforward domestic trip, has become an exhausting ordeal. Travellers on this stretch encounter an overwhelming number of checkpoints, reportedly close to 100, mounted by various security agencies. These include police, immigration, and customs, with additional stops by other units such as the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD). Each stop, often involving document inspections and questioning, adds delays and frustration to an already long journey.
The road conditions themselves compound the problem. With sections of the Kumasi–Wa highway in deplorable shape, travellers are subjected to physical discomfort for hours. What should be a manageable trip stretches into a gruelling 14-hour experience or more. In such circumstances, frequent stops by immigration officers to inspect identification documents feel not only excessive but also insensitive to the plight of commuters.
The core mandate of the Ghana Immigration Service is to regulate entry and exit at the country’s borders. However, the current practice of conducting routine ID checks deep within the country raises questions about efficiency and purpose. If the objective is to identify undocumented foreigners, logic dictates that such enforcement should be concentrated at official entry points. Once individuals are already within the country, especially on internal routes, the burden of proof should not rest disproportionately on ordinary citizen travellers.
Moreover, it is widely acknowledged that many undocumented migrants enter Ghana through unapproved routes. This reality underscores the need for a more strategic deployment of immigration resources. Rather than maintaining numerous inland checkpoints that inconvenience citizens and lawful travellers, the focus should shift to strengthening border surveillance and intelligence. Investing in modern border management systems, improving patrols along porous frontiers, and enhancing inter-agency coordination would yield far better results.
The current situation risks undermining Ghana’s credibility as it seeks to expand access to other African nationals. The ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, which Ghana is a signatory to, guarantees the right of entry, residence, and establishment within member states. However, the persistent presence of internal barriers contradicts both the spirit and letter of this agreement. Before extending similar privileges to a wider African audience, Ghana must first demonstrate full compliance within the ECOWAS framework.
There is also a broader economic implication. Frequent checkpoints slow down the movement of goods and services, increase transport costs, and discourage trade. For a country aiming to position itself as a regional hub under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), such internal inefficiencies are counterproductive.
To be clear, national security is paramount, and the role of security agencies in safeguarding the country cannot be understated. However, security must be balanced with efficiency and respect for the rights and comfort of citizens. Rationalising the number of checkpoints, clearly defining the roles of each agency, and adopting technology-driven solutions can help achieve this balance.
Ghana stands at a critical juncture. The vision of a borderless Africa is noble and necessary, but it must begin at home. Reducing unnecessary internal barriers and strengthening border control mechanisms will not only ease the burden on travellers but also reinforce Ghana’s commitment to true free movement.
Until then, the promise of seamless travel across Africa may remain an aspiration, hindered not by distant borders, but by the many barriers within.
The Trial News
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