16 March 2026. Akanu-Noepe. During a vibrant ceremony attended by senior representatives from the Governments of Ghana and Togo, TradeMark Africa officially handed over infrastructure funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post (JBP):

• A 220-kilowatt solar energy system to provide reliable lighting, power operations, and enable internet connectivity.
• Rehabilitated water supply networks to support inspections, sanitation, and hygiene.
• Desilted drainage systems to reduce flooding and improve operational flow.
• Upgraded sanitation facilities, including access for persons with disabilities.
• Improved pedestrian walkways to enhance safety particularly for women cross-border traders, and movement for traders.

Officials celebrated the interventions that directly address longstanding operational challenges, thus are expected to reduce border delays and strengthen cross-border trade along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor while advancing the goals of the AfCFTA and ECOWAS. TradeMark Africa presented the completed upgrades which set the tone for discussions on the management, sustainability, and operational effectiveness of the interventions.

“Women make up almost 60 percent of traders, so championing initiatives that empower them, indeed, strengthens the economy for everyone.” said Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry for Ghana. Hon. Badanan Patoki, Togo’s Minister for Economy and Strategic Watch in Charge of Trade and Quality Control added, “We are deeply grateful to TradeMark Africa and its partners for supporting these developments at the border towards a trade-enabling gateway.”

“Supporting border modernisation is a key part of UK FCDO’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration. These improvements not only reduce delays but also create safer, more inclusive opportunities for women and persons with disabilities engaged in trade.” Said Gabrielle Osei-Tamkloe, AfCFTA Lead for UK-FCDO at the British High Commission in Accra.

On behalf of TradeMark Africa, Harriet Gayi, Director for West Africa and AfCFTA, called for shared commitment towards the realisation of the planned outcomes. “These interventions are designed to create a predictable trading environment that directly benefits traders, border officials, and the broader regional economy.”

The Akanu–Noepe Border Post serves as a vital gateway along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, one of West Africa’s busiest trade routes, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the region. Historically, unreliable power, poor lighting, downtimes of work efficiency, flooding, and inadequate sanitation impacted traders and slowed trade. The completed infrastructure promise efficient, safe, and inclusive cross-border movement for increased volumes and value of trade.