Trading between Ghana and its West African neighbours experiences significant disruptions in the days leading up to and following Ghana’s national elections, due to border closures and heightened political tensions. These interruptions particularly affect cross-border trade, which is vital for regional commerce.
In the weeks before elections, traders in Ghana, particularly those in Accra, prepare by traveling to key destinations like Lomé in Togo and Kano in Nigeria to stock up on goods. However, as election day approaches, they avoid traveling due to safety concerns, the risk of conflicts, and the potential for being stranded due to border closures. Many traders ensure that all their trips are completed before the elections to prevent being caught in the uncertainty of the post-election period.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has long championed intra-regional trade, but the practice of shutting borders during elections continues to disrupt trade flows. This is especially challenging for traders who rely on the free movement of goods across borders. Despite efforts to integrate the region’s markets, elections continue to pose logistical and financial challenges.
A Ghanaian trader who imports goods from Kano, Nigeria, told The High Street Journal that traveling to Kano during elections is simply too risky. “There’s no way I would attempt to go during election time. The road becomes even more difficult with heightened risks of conflict, and I could be stuck, unable to return to Ghana until after the elections,” the trader said. Such restrictions force traders to carefully plan their movements to avoid financial strain, as many do not have the resources to wait out the delays.
Market activity across the region also slows down considerably as elections approach, as consumers become more cautious with their spending. People tend to save their money in anticipation of potential disruptions, fearing the unknown and potential restrictions on movement. In some cases, traders report that prices for goods purchased from neighbouring countries increase due to the added uncertainties and logistical challenges caused by political tension.
While traders are optimistic that business will resume once the elections are over and the political climate stabilizes, the disruptions are a reminder of the fragile nature of sub-regional trade during election periods. The closure of borders and the risks involved in cross-border trade continue to be an obstacle to the economic integration that ECOWAS aims to achieve.
These challenges underline the need for better coordination among West African countries to ensure smoother trade during elections and to reduce the negative impact of political uncertainty on business activities. Until then, analysts say many traders will continue to navigate the complex realities of doing business in a region where political events can dramatically alter the flow of goods and services.
