Minister of the Interior, Hon Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has affirmed that security and the free movement of people and goods across Africa are not mutually exclusive.
He stressed the critical role of smart border management in advancing the continent’s economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking during the Day 2 of the African Prosperity Dialogue (APD) 2026 held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Thursday, 5th February, 2026, Hon Muntaka emphasised that efficient borders are a prerequisite for thriving trade, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by women and youth, who form the backbone of Africa’s cross-border commerce.
“Without security, trade cannot flourish, and without orderly mobility, integration cannot succeed,” he said, stressing that borders should act as bridges rather than barriers to prosperity.
The Interior Minister outlined the challenges posed by Africa’s vast and porous borders, noting that Ghana alone has 48 legitimate crossing points alongside over 250 unapproved points often exploited for illicit activities. He cited trafficking, terrorism, narcotics, and cybercrime as key risks if movement is not carefully managed.
To address these challenges, he proposed risk-based, intelligence-led border management, relying on data analytics, joint patrols, and shared intelligence to enable legitimate trade while intercepting threats.
He revealed that Ghana has integrated advanced monitoring systems at its borders, ensuring authorities can track passengers traveling into the country, a measure he described as enhancing both security and trade efficiency.
Hon Muntaka also highlighted the hurdles faced by SMEs, particularly informal traders, who frequently encounter harassment, excessive documentation, and arbitrary confiscations at border points. He called for transparent procedures, training for border officials, and grievance mechanisms to reduce bureaucratic friction without compromising enforcement.
Drawing lessons from the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, the Minister noted the successes of visa-free travel and labor mobility but stressed that strong institutions, harmonised standards, and trusted identity systems remain essential for effective continental integration.
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