Omanghana
A prolonged power outage affecting the stretch between the Border Market and the main border yard at the Aflao border enclave has sparked growing concerns over public safety, with transport operators, traders, and local leaders warning that the unlit area has become increasingly vulnerable to criminal activity.
The blackout has left one of West Africa’s busiest border crossings in near-total darkness during nighttime and pre-dawn hours, prompting renewed calls for urgent intervention by government authorities.
Damaged Infrastructure Blamed for Streetlight Failure
According to local Assembly Member Alhaji Mohammed Amuzu, the persistent outage is the result of severely damaged underground power cables that supply electricity to the area’s street lighting network.
The failure has rendered large sections of the corridor without illumination, particularly along the route connecting the bustling Border Market to the main border screening and processing facilities used daily by travelers and commercial operators.
Community leaders say the problem has persisted despite repeated appeals for repairs.
Temporary Solution Yet to Be Implemented
To address the situation, local stakeholders reportedly proposed installing overhead power lines as a temporary measure to bypass the damaged underground cables and restore lighting to the affected area.
However, the suggested workaround has not yet been adopted by the relevant electricity authorities, leaving residents and commuters to contend with continued darkness while awaiting a permanent solution.
The delay has intensified frustration among businesses and transport unions that rely on the border’s smooth and secure operation.
Darkness Fuels Security Fears
Transport operators warn that the blackout has created conditions that could be exploited by criminals targeting unsuspecting travelers, especially those arriving late at night or departing in the early morning hours.
Emmanuel Kwasi Agbodeka, Secretary of the Aflao Branch of the Cooperative Hiring Car Union, has expressed concern that reduced visibility makes it easier for opportunistic offenders to operate while making it more difficult for victims to recognize potential threats or seek assistance.
Drivers and traders also note that navigating crowded areas in complete darkness increases anxiety and complicates routine travel through the border enclave.
Calls for Increased Security Presence
Beyond restoring electricity, transport unions and local stakeholders are urging authorities to strengthen visible security patrols throughout the affected area.
They argue that despite the strategic importance of the Aflao border crossing, the current level of law enforcement presence is insufficient to effectively monitor large sections of the corridor after dark.
Residents believe that enhanced police and military patrols could help deter criminal activity while infrastructure repairs are underway.
Stakeholders Seek Immediate Government Action
Local business groups, market operators, and driver associations are calling on the Ministry of the Interior and other relevant agencies to adopt a coordinated response to address both the power outage and related security concerns.
Among the proposals being advanced are:
- Fast-tracking repairs to the damaged underground electrical infrastructure.
- Deploying temporary lighting solutions, including solar-powered floodlights, to illuminate key transport and market areas.
- Increasing overnight patrols by police and other security personnel in and around the border enclave.
- Establishing designated and secure pick-up and drop-off points for passengers traveling during nighttime hours.
Transport unions have indicated their willingness to work closely with security agencies to implement measures that improve safety for commuters while long-term infrastructure repairs are completed.
Vital Trade Corridor Under Pressure
The Aflao border serves as a major gateway for cross-border trade and travel between Ghana and neighboring countries, handling significant volumes of passengers and commercial traffic each day.
Local leaders warn that prolonged infrastructure failures and security concerns could disrupt economic activity, affect traveler confidence, and undermine the efficient movement of goods and people through the corridor.
As calls for intervention grow louder, residents and transport operators hope authorities will move swiftly to restore lighting and reinforce security measures to safeguard one of the country’s most important border hubs.
Source: Omanghana
