GCCI-CI leads strategic border assessment on Elubo–Noé corridor to strengthen Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Trade

On 25 March 2026 the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI-CI), in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Handicrafts and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire, conducted an official study and land border facilitation mission along the Noé–Elubo corridor to advance cross-border trade, improve border governance and boost regional economic integration.

The high-level mission, led by Her Majesty Nana Kyeremaa Tua Abrafikoto, Founder and President of GCCI-CI and Queen Mother of Ghanaians in Côte d’Ivoire, ECOWAS and the wider African community, provided first-hand assessment of border operations and allowed structured consultations with key stakeholders on both sides of the border.

The visit focused on among other things Understanding current border procedures and operational constraints, Strengthening institutional coordination among customs, immigration and security agencies, Identifying practical steps to expedite trade and enhance border governance and Engaging public and private sector operators to align on a common facilitation agenda

The delegation met with a broad cross-section of actors, including Representatives from ministries of commerce and industry, Prefectoral and regional administrative authorities, Customs, immigration and narcotics control services, Defense and security forces, Exporters, economic operators and private-sector institutions and Traditional authorities.

At Elubo, the team was received by Joshua Krakue, Assistant Commissioner and Sector Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service.

At Noé, the delegation met with Colonel Signo Kouamé DONGUI Maurice, Regional Director, who led discussions on the Ivorian side. Regional authorities expressed strong support for the initiative and emphasized the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries.

Discussions highlighted operational bottlenecks and opportunities to streamline procedures.

The mission produced practical recommendations focused on improving efficiency, reinforcing coordination between agencies, and strengthening security and trade facilitation mechanisms.

The delegation’s engagements demonstrated a shared commitment to a more efficient, transparent and inclusive cross-border trade system that will benefit communities and traders on both sides of the border.

Officials noted the mission’s importance in the context of ECOWAS efforts and AfCFTA implementation, calling it a timely contribution to broader regional integration and economic cooperation.

GCCI-CI outlined the following follow-up actions:
– A monitoring visit to the Noé and Elubo border posts within ten (10) days to assess progress
– A second study mission to Aboisso
– The creation of a Joint Technical and Institutional Committee for Cross-Border Trade Facilitation
– Expansion of the initiative to other strategic trade corridors and commercial hubs

Her Majesty Nana Kyeremaa Tua Abrafikoto said, “The remarkable commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders, and our shared determination to build a more efficient, transparent and inclusive cross-border trade system, will significantly contribute to the economic development of our nations and the African continent as a whole.”

The Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI-CI) promotes private-sector cooperation and trade between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, with a focus on improving trade facilitation, institutional coordination and regional economic integration.

Reporting by Isaac Hughes in the Western Region