GSA, Ministry of Transport secure release of 6 detained trucks in Burkina Faso
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport has secured the release of six Ghanaian cargo trucks detained at the Dakola border in Burkina Faso.
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The trucks were initially held by Burkinabe Customs (Douanes) for allegedly transporting unwholesome cargo from Ghana into the country in April, this year.
The detained trucks were part of a fleet of 20 carrying cargo flagged by the Burkinabe authorities as unwholesome.
Efforts by the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions-Ghana (JAPTU-Ghana) to address the issue proved futile, compelling them to seek GSA's intervention in June 2024.
Engagement
To address the issue, the GSA engaged in a series of meetings with stakeholders at the Dakola border and the Tema port, and coordinated with its counterpart in Burkina Faso, the Conseil Burkinabe Des Chargeurs (CBC), to facilitate the trucks' release.
The team from Ghana led by the Northern Zonal Manager of the GSA, Frederick Atogiyire, met the Director General of the CBC, Dr Kassoum Traore, and his team on August 20, 2024, to discuss the issue.
Dr Traore explained that under Burkinabe law, any cargo deemed unwholesome could lead to the confiscation of both the cargo and the trucks.
He gave the assurance that efforts were progressing and that an out-of-court settlement had been agreed upon with the shipper, which would expedite the release of the trucks.
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In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale, the Northern Zonal Manager of the GSA explained that the Burkinabe Customs swiftly processed the trucks for departure, leading to the resumption of their journey to Ouagadougou on August 25, 2024, and returned to Ghana on August 29, 2024.
Mr Atogiyire commended the Burkinabe authorities for their significant efforts in facilitating the release of the trucks.
Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh