The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority has hosted a high-level delegation from Togo Customs in Accra as part of efforts to deepen cross-border cooperation, enhance trade facilitation, and tackle transit fraud between the two neighbouring countries.

The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration in three critical areas — accelerating trade processes, combating cargo diversion and smuggling activities, and improving revenue mobilisation to support economic development.

Officials from both countries acknowledged that the shared Ghana-Togo border presents significant economic opportunities but also poses risks linked to smuggling and fraudulent transit activities, making closer coordination essential.

Welcoming the delegation, Ghanaian officials highlighted the long-standing cultural and commercial relationship between Ghana and Togo, noting that the Aflao–Kodjoviakopé corridor remains a major trade route supporting businesses and livelihoods across both countries.

Discussions centred on the growing sophistication of smuggling networks and the need for joint operational strategies to address loopholes exploited by offenders.

Officials stressed that weaknesses within one country’s border systems could easily affect the other, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation.

A major aspect of the discussions focused on the proposed integration of digital customs management platforms, including Ghana’s ICUMS system and Togo’s SYDAM platform.

Authorities believe improved interoperability and real-time data exchange would strengthen transparency in transit operations and reduce opportunities for manipulation of transit documentation.

The two customs administrations also explored the possibility of joint night patrols and intensified surveillance along unapproved routes frequently used for illegal activities.

Strengthening operations at official border entry points such as Aflao and Kodjoviakopé was identified as critical to improving revenue protection and reducing unlawful crossings.

Officials further reiterated their governments’ commitment to balancing efficient revenue mobilisation with the removal of unnecessary bottlenecks for compliant traders.

They noted that success would be measured not only by stronger enforcement outcomes but also by improved clearance times and greater predictability along the transit corridor.

The meeting ended with both delegations expressing optimism about establishing more sustained operational cooperation to build a safer, more efficient, and integrated trade corridor between Ghana and Togo.