More than 400 long-haul trucks have reportedly been stranded along the Fielmuo Junction-Kokoligu Junction stretch following the temporary closure of the Hamile border crossing amid heightened security concerns in the border community.
The closure has disrupted cross-border movement, leaving transport operators and truck drivers waiting for clearance to proceed into neighbouring Burkina Faso.
According to a report by Ghana Conflict Monitors, the stranded trucks have formed a queue stretching more than three kilometres, creating significant disruption to commercial transportation and trade along the Ghana-Burkina Faso corridor.
The border shutdown follows a deadly explosion at Hamile on Tuesday, November 3, involving a tricycle transporting a load suspected to be dynamite through an unapproved route.
The incident triggered security concerns and subsequent violent disturbances, prompting the deployment of additional security personnel and the imposition of a curfew on the community.
The Member of Parliament for Lambussie, Prof. Titus Kofi Beyuo, has since disclosed that 13 people, all males, sustained injuries during the explosion.
The incident also claimed three lives, according to information provided by the Lambussie District Chief Executive, including two civilians and an immigration officer. Another immigration officer sustained critical injuries.
The ensuing disturbances saw some angry youth burn tyres and attempt to attack Immigration Service installations, further heightening tensions in the border town.
The Ministry of the Interior subsequently imposed a curfew from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am, alongside restrictions on the possession of arms and other offensive weapons.
The disruption has raised concerns about the economic consequences for transport operators and businesses that depend on the Hamile crossing for the movement of goods between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Hamile serves as an important commercial gateway between the two neighbouring countries, making the reported closure particularly significant for cross-border trade.
The duration of the border closure remains uncertain, leaving hundreds of truck drivers and transport operators awaiting further directives from the authorities.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/picture by Mohammed Abdulai
