Kassena–Nankana West DCE engages PAYOM on solutions to Paga town traffic gridlock

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Kassena-Nankana West District, Stephen Aeke Akurugu, has engaged the leadership of the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) to discuss practical solutions to the growing congestion of heavy-duty trucks along the Paga-Burkina Faso border corridor.

The meeting, held at the Kassena-Nankana West District Assembly in Paga on Thursday, June 4, brought together district authorities and youth leaders to deliberate on the persistent traffic challenges caused by the increasing number of cargo trucks using the Paga border as a transit route.

Addressing participants, Akurugu explained that the district had already implemented measures through the District Security Council (DISEC) to remove trucks from the main highway within the township after a surge in road accidents and safety concerns.

According to him, the congestion has worsened in recent months due to increased cargo movement resulting from the government’s 24-hour operations at the Tema Port and delays in clearing vehicles on the Burkina Faso side of the border.

“The pressure this year is excessive. The 24-hour operations at the ports have increased the number of vehicles arriving at Paga, while delays in clearance on the Burkina Faso side continue to create a backlog,” he stated.

The DCE noted that before the intervention, heavy-duty trucks frequently parked along the main highway, contributing to multiple accidents and posing risks to traders and residents operating along the route.

He explained that after assessing several alternative locations, DISEC designated the Paga airstrip as a temporary holding area for trucks pending clearance at the border.

“We considered the dangers posed by trucks parking along the road and decided that using the airstrip as a temporary holding area was the most practical solution available at the time,” he said.

Akurugu further disclosed that he had engaged relevant authorities, including Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso and officials of the Customs Division, to explore ways of improving cross-border coordination and reducing delays.

He said intelligence gathered from discussions among members of PAYOM indicated that the youth group had proposed additional ideas for addressing the challenge, prompting the meeting.

“We have heard that PAYOM members have been discussing possible solutions. That is why I invited them to share their ideas so we can examine which proposals are feasible and implement them where necessary,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of PAYOM, the Movement’s Organizer, Raphael Pareyiwe Kopanamo, proposed the creation of designated truck holding areas at strategic locations along the route from Walewale to Paga to reduce the concentration of vehicles at the border.

He suggested that the Regional Coordinating Council and other stakeholders could collaborate to establish temporary parking facilities where trucks could wait until space becomes available at the Paga border post.

“If holding areas are created along the route, some vehicles can remain there until those at Paga move forward. This will significantly reduce congestion around the border,” he proposed.

Kopanamo also encouraged authorities to strengthen collaboration with Burkina Faso officials and explore the possibility of utilizing available parking spaces and facilities on the Burkinabe side of the border.

The Public Relations Officer of PAYOM, Desmond Abire, recommended that authorities consider rehabilitating the undeveloped land behind the border truck park through gravelling and levelling to create additional parking capacity.

He further suggested introducing a token fee for trucks using the temporary holding areas to support sanitation management and maintenance.

“The issue affects the whole country, but Paga is bearing the burden. If a small fee is collected from drivers, it can help address sanitation challenges associated with the large number of vehicles,” he said.

Abire also called for the strengthening of emergency response services at the border, proposing the establishment of a fire service unit closer to the truck park due to the large number of vehicles transporting potentially hazardous and flammable materials.

He argued that such a measure would improve preparedness and enhance public safety in the event of fire outbreaks or other emergencies.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the District Assembly and stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to the traffic congestion challenges at the Paga border while ensuring the safety of residents, motorists, and businesses operating within the area.

Mike 105.3 FM | Navrongo | Abiiro Samuel Atule

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