By The closure of the Ghana-Togo border, as part of security measures for legislative and regional elections in Togo, has resulted in a notable downturn in business activities in Aflao, a border town shared between the two countries.
Unfortunately, many Aflao residents were unaware of the border closure, as the information was primarily communicated through Togolese government social media channels.
Local traders and business proprietors have voiced their apprehensions about the closure’s adverse effects on their daily livelihoods.
A trader in Aflao expressed bewilderment at the elections in Togo, highlighting their lack of awareness and questioning how they would sustain themselves during this period.
“I’m a trader here. I don’t even know the border has been closed. I didn’t hear of the elections in Togo, I was even going to trade. How then can we feed ourselves? Will they open it tomorrow? Well, then I’ll just see if I can sell something before leaving.”
Joshua Attipoe, a Lorry Terminal Porter, elaborated on how the closure has impacted their work, noting the absence of market women purchasing goods in Togo and Togolese individuals transporting goods to Kumasi.
ACI Fredrick Duodu, the Aflao Sector Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, corroborated the reason for the border closure and acknowledged its detrimental impact on economic activities in the region.
He observed that the typically bustling town has now become quiet, with a noticeable decrease in business transactions.
The closure of the border is anticipated to persist until the conclusion of the elections.
