Akanu-Noepe Border Post refurbished to transform trade, boost regional integration

The Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post has undergone major refurbishment aimed at transforming cross-border trade between Ghana and Togo into a more efficient, safe and inclusive system.

The upgraded facility, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)  in partnership with ECOWAS and AfCFTA, is expected to enhance trade flow along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.

Key improvements include a 220-kilowatt solar power system for uninterrupted operations, upgraded drainage to prevent flooding, rehabilitated walkways, improved lighting for safety, and enhanced water and sanitation facilities. 

Capacity-building initiatives have also strengthened coordination between border agencies in both countries, enabling more streamlined and harmonized operations.

The intervention addresses previous challenges such as poor infrastructure, inefficiencies, and safety concerns—particularly for women and small-scale traders—making the border more attractive and accessible. 

Handing over ceremony

The official handing over ceremony took place last Monday at the Akanu-Noepe Border Post at Dzodze in the Volta Region.

The high-profile event was attended by the Minister of Trade Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Togo’s Minister of Economy and Strategy Watch in Charge of Trade and Quality Control, Badanan Patoki, UK-Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Lead, Gabrielle Osei, Director for West Africa and AfCFTA at TradeMark Africa, Ms Harriet Gayi and the leadership of security services at the port.

Ghana-Togo unity

Speaking at the event, the Trade Minister, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare described the refurbished Noepe–Akano Joint Border Post as a strong symbol of what Ghana and Togo can achieve through collaboration. 

She mentioned that the upgraded facility demonstrates the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening trade facilitation and deepening regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States.

These improvements, she said are expected to boost competitiveness and support trade under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare emphasized the importance of maintaining the facility to sustain its impact, noting that efficient border management is essential for regional integration and the success of Africa’s trade ambitions.

"The refurbishment enhances joint clearance processes and procedures, enabling coordinated border management that significantly reduces clearance times and overall trade costs." 

"Through streamlining operations and promoting one-stop border procedures, we minimise delays, lower transactional expenses, and improve predictability for traders which are key factors in boosting competitiveness under the WTO ," she said.

Export growth 

According to the Minister, the facility will also help drive the country's export growth by providing faster and more reliable access to regional and continental markets, particularly benefiting micro, small and medium-scale enterprises involved in cross-border trade and agribusiness.

She emphasised that women and youth, who make up a large share of informal cross-border traders along the corridor, will gain from reduced waiting times, improved safety and a more trader-friendly environment.

Ms Ofosu-Adjare commended TradeMark Africa for supporting the refurbishment and urged border agencies, traders and transporters to embrace joint operations, digital tools and compliance with regulations to maximise the benefits of the facility. 

"True regional integration demands practical collaboration. The refurbished Noepe–Akano JBP stands as a concrete example of what can be achieved when Ghana and Togo work in unison."

"I commend TradeMark Africa for this impactful intervention, which strengthens border coordination, introduces modern operational standards and contributes to our collective vision of a seamless, prosperous West Africa," she stated.

Boost to ECOWAS trade

Togo’s Minister of Economy and Strategy Watch in Charge of Trade and Quality Control, Badanan Patoki commended TradeMark Africa for its critical role in the refurbishment of the Akanu–Noepe Border, describing the facility as vital to cross-border trade in the ECOWAS region. 

Mr Patoki highlighted that the upgraded infrastructure — including a completed solar system, street lighting, improved pipelines and washrooms, and enhanced passenger crossing facilities — addresses the needs of traders and border agencies. 

The Minister emphasized that the rehabilitation demonstrates a strong commitment by TradeMark Africa and its partners to regional trade development, expressing confidence in the long-term benefits and continued support for boosting trade and economic growth.

“These facilities will enhance trade and boost our country’s economy. We recognise their effectiveness and long-term benefits, particularly in promoting the free flow of goods for our traders and citizens. We thank TradeMark Africa for this support and are confident in their continued partnership,” he said.

Efficient systems

UK-FCDO Lead, Gabrielle Ossei emphasized that efficient border systems are essential for economic growth, as they reduce costs, speed up trade, and improve livelihoods. The initiative also supports the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by facilitating smoother movement of goods across borders.

She described the handover as a reflection of strong collaboration between the governments of Ghana and Togo, development partners, and regional institutions, expressing confidence that the improvements will continue to benefit businesses and communities while strengthening regional economic integration.

Trade gateway

For her part, Harriet Gayi stated that the upgraded border post represents a major step toward turning borders into efficient gateways for trade and regional integration rather than barriers.

She highlighted the strategic importance of the Akanu–Noepe border along the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor, which connects key West African economies including Ghana, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Nigeria, making it vital for regional supply chains and livelihoods.

"Our vision for contributing to these interventions is so that this post can benefit small, medium and large-scale traders, particularly women, who rely on predictable, safe, and dignified conditions to conduct their business. Improved lighting, walkways, and sanitation facilities make the border safer and more accessible, while reliable power and water ensure that documentation and inspections are processed efficiently," she said.

She also stressed the importance of maintaining the facility to sustain its impact, noting that efficient border management is essential for regional integration and the success of Africa’s trade ambitions.