Ghana Togo Border Closed Again

The Togolese government yesterday shut its side of the border with Ghana at Aflao to enable officials of that country to check the documents of the opposition leader, Gilchist Olympio. It is the second time in four days that Mr Olympio has crossed from Ghana to Togo to process his papers to contest the June 1, Togolese Presidential election.

Mr Olympio was delayed for two hours at the Togo side of the border during which all travelers were barred from leaving or entering Togo.

Mr Olympio was using a photocopy of his Ghanaian passport because the Togolese officials took the original one from him for verification during the first time.

Togolese sources told the GNA that Mr Olympio also presented himself for medical examinations at Lome University Hospital as part of the requirements for standing for the Presidential election. His blood, urine and other tests for mental and physical alertness were conducted under the supervision of three Togolese doctors.

The source said Mr Olympio, who has no Togolese passport put in application for an identity card during his short stay in Togo on Tuesday. Hundreds of Olympio’s supporters escorted him to the Aflao border after filing his papers.