Stakeholders at a trade facilitation meeting in Tamale have called for closer monitoring of police personnel on road duties along transit corridors, particularly through unannounced visits to assess their conduct and ensure corrective action where necessary.
The concerns were raised at the fifth meeting of the Northern Zonal Stakeholder Committee of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), held on April 23, 2026, at the Nim Avenue Hotel in Tamale. The meeting brought together representatives from key trade facilitation, regulatory and security institutions to deliberate on challenges affecting trade along the northern corridors.
During discussions at the meeting, some members recounted experiences involving police officers at security checkpoints who require truck drivers to untie tarpaulins covering goods in transit for inspection. They noted that such practices, when not properly managed, could delay cargo movement and affect trade operations along the corridor.
The Northern Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service, Mr Richard Odartey, in a presentation, outlined measures being implemented to ensure the security and safe passage of transit cargo along the corridor.
He explained that the Police Service continues to adopt strategies aimed at mitigating security risks and safeguarding the movement of goods through the northern sector.
Mr Odartey also called on the leadership of the Joint Association of Port Transport Union and other cargo truck unions to educate their members on road safety regulations and compliance. He urged drivers to be mindful of road infractions and to assert their rights whenever they encounter unprofessional conduct on the roads.
In his opening remarks, the Northern Zonal Manager of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Mr Frederick Atogiyire, commended stakeholders for their continued commitment to collaboration aimed at improving trade facilitation and security along the corridor.
He stressed the importance of sustained cooperation among institutions in ensuring the smooth movement of goods within the subregion and noted that effective coordination remained critical to trade and economic activity.
Mr Atogiyire also provided updates on issues discussed at the previous meeting and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to working with stakeholders to address emerging challenges along the corridor.
The meeting also featured presentations from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority and the Tree Crops Development Authority on their respective roles in supporting trade and economic activities within the sector.
