The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), with the support of the Ministry of Transport (MoT), has successfully secured the release of six Ghanaian cargo trucks that were detained at the Dakola border in Burkina Faso. The trucks had been held by the Burkinabe Customs (Douanes) since April 2024, following suspicions that they were transporting prohibited goods from Ghana into Burkina Faso.
In a bid to address the growing concerns over the detained trucks, the Ghana Shippers Authority took decisive action in June 2024, intervening in the detention of twenty trucks flagged by Burkinabe authorities for carrying unwholesome cargo. This intervention came after efforts by the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions-Ghana (JAPTU-Ghana) to resolve the issue had proved unsuccessful.
To resolve the situation, the Ghana Shippers Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, organized a series of stakeholder meetings at the Dakola border and the Tema port. These meetings included discussions with their Burkinabe counterparts, the Conseil Burkinabe Des Chargeurs (CBC). The aim was to negotiate the release of the detained trucks and find a mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute.
Frederick Atogiyire, the Northern Zonal Manager of the Ghana Shippers Authority, led a delegation to meet with Dr. Kassoum Traore, Director General of the Conseil Burkinabe Des Chargeurs (CBC), and his team. During the discussions, Dr. Traore explained the legal implications under Burkinabe law, which allows for the confiscation of both cargo and trucks if the goods being transported are found to be unwholesome or prohibited.
However, Dr. Traore also assured the Ghanaian delegation that progress was being made towards resolving the matter. An out-of-court settlement had been reached with the shipper, clearing the way for the prompt release of the detained trucks. This positive development marked a significant step forward in the efforts to secure the release of the trucks and restore normal trade activities between the two countries.
In a media briefing held in Tamale, Frederick Atogiyire announced that Burkinabe Customs had efficiently processed the paperwork for the detained trucks, allowing them to depart from the Dakola border and continue their journey to Ouagadougou on August 25, 2024. The trucks subsequently returned to Ghana on August 29, 2024, signaling the successful resolution of the issue.
Mr. Atogiyire expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the Burkinabe authorities in facilitating the release of the trucks. He highlighted the importance of such cooperation in maintaining smooth trade relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso. He also noted that the swift and effective handling of the situation by both countries demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring the free flow of goods across their borders.
Reflecting on the situation, Mr. Atogiyire emphasized the need for continued vigilance and proactive engagement with neighboring countries to prevent similar incidents in the future. He called on Ghanaian shippers to adhere to all regulations and guidelines to avoid potential conflicts that could disrupt trade activities.
The release of the trucks marks a significant victory for the Ghana Shippers Authority and the Ministry of Transport, who worked tirelessly to resolve the matter. Their efforts underscore the importance of strong intergovernmental collaboration and the value of direct engagement with stakeholders to find amicable solutions to cross-border trade disputes.
The Ghana Shippers Authority remains committed to protecting the interests of Ghanaian shippers and ensuring that their goods are transported smoothly across borders. Moving forward, the Authority plans to continue working closely with its counterparts in neighboring countries to foster better understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect in all trade dealings.
As Ghana continues to strengthen its trade relationships in the region, the successful resolution of this issue at the Dakola border serves as a reminder of the power of diplomacy and collaboration in overcoming challenges. With ongoing efforts to improve the business environment and facilitate trade, the outlook for Ghana’s shipping industry remains positive.
