A major harm done to economies in the sub-region has largely been in the area of cross-border or regional trade. As the experts agree, that is equally a strategic area that stirs growth because of the massive revenue that accrues from the sector.
Also in terms of job creation, its potential for improving lives and livelihoods is huge, with the value chains generating massive jobs for transporters, importers, indigenous caterers, micro-processors, and its other linkages in the services sector.
The shrinking of economic activity, owing to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has therefore been a huge setback, not only to the large numbers of non-state actors, but also the state.
But that is also aside of the incidence of crime that we have had to deal with as state neighbours in the sub-region, as migrants and contraband actors used unapproved routes to enter other countries to engage in dubious activities.
Maximising gains
The news therefore that ECOWAS political and sectoral heads are proposing a reopening of land borders is refreshing. The decision, which we are told was carried out in consultation with the West African Health Organisation, is not only timely, but imperative.
Coming on the back of vigorous efforts at laying structures for a vibrant take-off of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area vision and programme, we believe the decision must be commended.
With the break in economic activity terminated, we will be seeing a resurgence in cargo traffic from one destination to another, with crop and livestock leading the commodity trade.
That is not only good for banking and insurance, but also good for revenue generation, especially at a time we in Ghana, particularly, are griping over revenue to support developmental activities, including construction of roads, health facilities and educational infrastructure.
Maintaining security
While we do that, we must also take notice of the fact of criminal minds taking advantage of the renewed economic terrain to engage in contraband activities, including arms trade, banditry among others.
Yes, we have so many unapproved routes, which makes monitoring on the part of interior agencies a nagging challenge. But that is also beside the fact that logistics for patrol, communication and other monitoring activities still need augmentation, though government has offered modest support lately.
Additionally, we have certain elements who avail themselves for the political convenience of gangster politicians during election periods for mercenary gain as well as others who use the excuse of working and studying in Ghana or, for that matter, any ECOWAS state to engage in criminal activities.
On guard
More importantly, we need to invent fresh methods under the digitisation programme at ECOWAS level to coordinate security operations in limiting the upsurge in militant activity, which is constricting economic activity and development in the sub-region and particularly the Sahel communities.
Free and regulated movement of goods and services is no licence for informal economy actors to attempt, for instance, to dribble interior agencies. Again, the similar protocols intended at limiting the machinery of neighbouring countries should not allow wholesale entry of cargo trucks into the other side without checking content or documentation.
While we therefore commend the ECOWS political heads and sector Ministers on the decision to reopen the borders, we also urge sovereign states to be vigilant in checking criminality along the respective entry and exit points.
This is because buoyant trade, as envisaged in the AfCFTA dream and programme, can only be effective in an environment of stability and peace.
About The Author
