By Michael Pepsin Avorgah, GNA
Aflao (V/R), Nov. 09, GNA – Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote trade facilitation, security, social cohesion and development in border communities.
He said President John Dramani Mahama’s administration recognised the importance of border communities to Ghana’s economic growth and regional cooperation and would continue to support initiatives that created opportunities for legitimate cross-border trade and movement.
Mr Gunu said this at a public awareness and citizens’ engagement campaign organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ECOWAS National Office in Aflao.
The campaign, held under the theme, “Bringing ECOWAS Closer to the Citizens: Promoting Awareness, Participation and Opportunities for Regional Integration,” aimed to deepen public understanding of ECOWAS protocols, particularly the free movement of persons, goods and services across member states.
Mr Gunu said the initiative was particularly important to the Volta Region because of its strategic geographical location and shared border with Togo.
He described Aflao as a major gateway for trade, travel, cultural exchange and people-to-people relations, noting that ECOWAS policies and protocols directly affected the daily lives and economic activities of residents, traders, transport operators and businesses.
He said regional integration must go beyond agreements and policy documents to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens through increased trade, employment opportunities, stronger security cooperation and improved economic relations among member states.
The Regional Minister encouraged traders, transport operators, market women, border officials and the general public to take advantage of the engagement to understand their rights and responsibilities under ECOWAS protocols and conduct their activities lawfully.
He also urged relevant institutions and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in addressing cross-border challenges, including smuggling, human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime, while ensuring that legitimate movement and trade were facilitated.
The engagement provided an opportunity for citizens, particularly women who regularly cross the border for their daily economic activities, to ask questions and seek answers from relevant authorities on issues affecting their movement and trade.
Mr Gunu said the success of regional integration depended not only on governments but also on the awareness, participation and cooperation of citizens, urging residents to take ownership of the process.
He commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ECOWAS National Office for bringing the engagement to Aflao, saying it would help address concerns and misconceptions that could hinder citizens’ participation in the regional integration agenda.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah