AfCFTA requires integrated transport corridors to boost Ghana’s regional trade – Togbe Hodo 

– Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, has called for Ghana's transport infrastructure to be strategically developed around regional economic corridors to maximise the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said while the AfCFTA created enormous opportunities for trade and economic integration, trade agreements alone could not move goods across borders, making efficient transport and logistics systems critical to Ghana's ambitions.

Togbe Tepre Hodo who is also the Paramount Chief of Anfoega, said Ghana's ports, roads, railways, airports, and logistics infrastructure must be integrated to support the country's aspiration to become a gateway and logistics hub for West Africa.

He made the call at the opening of the 2026 Transport Sector Review Conference in Ho, stressing that transport planning must be closely aligned with regional trade and economic development.

The traditional leader also urged Government and transport sector stakeholders to recognise communities as active partners in infrastructure development rather than merely locations through which projects passed.

He said traditional authorities could play an important role in facilitating land access, resolving grievances, protecting road reservations, and strengthening community engagement during the implementation of infrastructure projects.

Togbe Tepre Hodo, however, emphasised that the responsibility for successful development rested with all stakeholders, saying Government, traditional authorities, contractors, and communities must work together and understand their respective responsibilities.

He said meaningful infrastructure development required mutual cooperation, accountability, and shared responsibility to ensure that projects delivered lasting benefits to the people and the economy.

GNA