Ghana and Niger have renewed their long-standing trade cooperation with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Accra to enhance the efficiency of transit operations and eliminate bottlenecks along the corridor linking the two countries.
The agreement commits both nations to improving information exchange, harmonising Customs procedures, strengthening cargo tracking systems, and promoting infrastructural development to support smoother and more secure cross-border trade.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Prof. Ransford Gyampo, described the pact as timely, given the persistent challenges confronting transit trade operators.
He identified key challenges such as the imposition of value-added tax (VAT) on transit cargo, lack of transparency in cargo handling, multiple checkpoints, extortion, axle load concerns, and security risks as factors undermining the competitiveness of Ghana’s corridor.
“Central to the challenges commercial operators face on Ghana’s corridor include VAT on transit cargo, non-transparent handling of goods, numerous checkpoints and related extortions, axle load problems, and security issues. These add to the cost of doing business and reduce competitiveness,” Prof. Gyampo said.
He urged all transit shippers to register with the GSA in line with the new Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), explaining that the registration would sanitise the transit system, enhance accountability, and minimise malpractice. The data generated from the registration exercise, he added, would be shared with the Niger Shippers’ Council (NSC) to strengthen coordination and mutual trust between the two countries.
“Importantly, this data will be shared with our partners at the Niger Shippers’ Council to facilitate smoother trade flows, enhance coordination, and strengthen mutual trust between our two institutions,” he stated.
Prof. Gyampo also cited the ongoing construction of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT), designed to serve northern Ghana and neighbouring landlocked countries, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. When completed, the terminal is expected to reduce transport costs by about 14 per cent for cargo routed through Tema Port and up to 48 per cent for goods through Takoradi Port, positioning Ghana as a key logistics hub in the subregion.
He noted that the initiative aligned with the government’s 24-hour economy policy aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness through continuous operations across logistics, manufacturing, and transport sectors.
The new Ghana–Niger MoU also establishes a technical committee to monitor implementation, conduct research, provide training, and resolve emerging disputes in real time.
Addressing concerns over the enforcement of the ECOWAS Supplementary Act on axle load limits, which has faced resistance from some Ghanaian drivers, Prof. Gyampo said the GSA would collaborate with transport unions to roll out sensitisation and compliance programmes to ensure uniform enforcement and smoother transit movement.
“We are working closely with our transport partners to promote compliance with regional standards and ensure trade flows are not disrupted by misunderstanding or noncompliance,” he said.
The Director-General of the Niger Shippers’ Council, Colonel Major Souley Ibrahim, commended Ghana for taking concrete steps to streamline the transit system and remove trade bottlenecks.
“This MoU reflects our shared responsibility to promote efficiency and strengthen trade between our two countries,” he stated, reaffirming Niger’s commitment to collaborate with Ghana to enforce axle load regulations, harmonise Customs procedures, and advance regional trade integration under the ECOWAS and AfCFTA frameworks.
