The Ghana Shippers Authority in partnership with the Jomoro Municipal Assembly has constructed a 20-acre parking terminal at Ghana’s border with Cote D’Ivoire to improve transit for freight.
Statistics indicate that trade volumes along the western border, which connects Ghana to Ivory Coast and neighbouring West African countries, have seen significant improvement in terms of haulage trucks.
For many years, tailbacks had been a common sight at the Elubo border as freight drivers struggled to find space to park while processing documentation for their onward journey to the Ivory Coast and beyond.
This rendered the place congested and undermined revenue generation efforts. It also increased transit time for freight, making it unattractive for business.
The Chairperson of the Authority, Stella Wilson-Agyapong who commissioned the facility said, the western border had registered a significant increase in volumes going through the border, highlighting its importance for the country.
“Last year for instance, despite the pandemic, two thousand seven hundred and eighteen (2,718) haulage trucks with cargo such as fresh fruits, cattle, fish, crude oil and mining equipment among others, passed through this border.”
“Out of this figure, Eight hundred and fifty-six (856) were loaded with imported goods whilst one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-two (1,862) trucks carried goods bound for export.
According to Madam Stella Wilson-Agyapong, the new freight park would expectedly provide adequate and secure parking space with essential facilities at the disposal of haulage truck drivers and other logistics operators, noting, the project was timely and, a plus for African Free Continental Trade Area Agreement.
The Elubo sector commander of Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Rev. Joseph Gyan Mensah, explained the important role the Western border continues to play in revenue mobilization.
The District Chief Executive for Jomoro, Louisa Arde, who welcomed stakeholders to the district, assured them of the commitment of the Assembly to jealously protect and maintain the facility.
She charged officials selected as committee members to manage the facility to live above reproach and deliver to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
The new Freight Park sits on two acres of land. It is also designed, such that trucks would have ample allowance for entering, turning, parking and exiting as they continue to use the Western Border.
The facility can boast of an ultra-modern place of convenience with twenty (20) bathroom stalls, and twenty (20) toilet cubicles. There is also a dormitory where truck drivers can rest, a Mosque for prayers, and six (6)- room office.
By: Nana Esi Boateng
