Trade and other economic activities between Ghana and Togo is likely to see a big boost as the Togolese authorities have finally begun keeping its borders to Ghana open 24 hours, following an advocacy by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

This will obviously be good news to people and civil society organisations who have been championing a borderless West Africa over the years.

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Per the ECOWAS protocol, there should be free movement of goods and nationals of member countries, but that and may others have not seen light of day due to what analyst refer to as lack of political will and individualism of member countries.

The move by the Togolese government comes in the wake of a recent meeting between the Ghanaian President and the Togolese President, Faure Gnasimgbe. At the said meeting, President Akufo-Addo mentioned to his colleague that the time to ensure political and economic cohesion of the sub-region is now.

“A functional common regional market in ECOWAS has to be a very fundamental objective of all our people and governments of the region. It is for this reason that I am very much for the 24-hour opening of the borders between our two countries,” President Akufo-Addo said to his Togolese counterpart

He further stated that “The opening of our borders will give true meaning to the ECOWAS Protocols on Free Movement of Goods and Persons, and will spur on progress and prosperity for our people."

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President Akufo-Addo emphasized how worthwhile the liberalization will be to the sub-region.

“I am fully committed, and I know President Faure Gnasingbé is too. With West Africa’s population set to reach some 500 million people in 20 years’ time, there are immense opportunities to bring prosperity to our region with enterprise and creativity”.

“The time for West African integration is now. Ghana and Togo should take the lead in converting ECOWAS into a true regional market, and, indeed, in helping to facilitate the wider efforts at continental integration and unity."