By Oscar Akaba
Recently, at the Aflao Border in Ghana, a powerful message was shared: it is time to move from simply talking about women’s inclusion in cross-border trade to taking real, practical action. Odilia B. Gnassingbe-Essonam of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) led this call during an engaging meeting that brought together the National Cross Border Women Traders Association (NCBWTA), customs officers, and government officials.
Alex Mensah from the Ministry of Trade echoed this sentiment. He explained that while helpful trade policies already exist, the government cannot implement them alone. He warmly invited development partners and civil society to join hands in helping traders’ associations turn these written policies into everyday programs that truly benefit women at the grassroots level.
Taking the lead on practical solutions, NCBWTA National President Lucky Rose Xenordzi introduced a brilliant new digital tool called “WATRDERSHUB.” This digital ID and data collection system is designed to officially register and recognize small-scale women traders. By giving these women clear visibility, border authorities can better understand their needs and communicate with them effectively. She urged all stakeholders to support this tool, noting how beautifully it aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ECOWAS.
From the customs side, Assistant Commissioner Emmanuel Duah praised the vital revenue these hardworking women bring to Ghana. However, he shared a caring warning: a lack of knowledge about customs rules often leads to heavy, avoidable fines. For a small-scale trader, these financial hits can easily wipe out their business capital. He strongly encouraged the Association to prioritize educating its members on border compliance so their businesses can safely grow and thrive.
Ultimately, the dialogue at Aflao sent one clear message. For the women trading along West African borders, true inclusion isn’t just about having a seat at the meeting table. It means providing them with the practical tools, vital education, and strong institutional support they need to make cross-border trading simpler, fairer, and much more sustainable.