This archive report was first published on 3 September 2021.
Published on September 3, 2021, Ghanaian traders in Accra and other border towns have been protesting the closure of land borders with neighboring countries, citing economic hardships and the need for President Nana Akufo-Addo to lift restrictions.
The protests, which began in Aflao town on the frontier with Togo, have continued in Elubo, west of the capital Accra, where traders sang, beat drums, and waved banners, one reading 'Our businesses are collapsing', before handing over a petition to a local official to give to the presidency.
Opposition lawmaker Dorcas Affo-Toffey urged the president to take action, stating, 'We're pleading with the president to do something. Within two weeks something must be done.' She also questioned the decision to keep land borders shut while allowing cargo traffic and opening the main airport.
Ernest Kwoffi, the local government representative, acknowledged the need for measures to control the coronavirus but promised to forward the petition to the presidency.
The presidency has announced plans to pilot a virus testing system, which, if successful, will allow officials to lift the border controls.
As Ghana struggles with the impact of the global pandemic, new taxes, and an increase in fuel prices, economic troubles have become a key concern for many Ghanaians.
