Plans are underway to introduce additional transit points and designated tanker holding areas to ease persistent congestion at Ghana’s northern borders, following discussions between the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, and the management of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
The proposed measures are aimed at regulating the movement of fuel tankers and other commercial vehicles and reducing the pressure on existing border crossings.
The Minister held discussions with TOR Managing Director, Mr. Edmond Kombat, and members of the refinery’s senior management on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the refinery’s office in Tema.
Among the transit points being considered are Bongo-Namoo, Kulungungu in Bawku, and Widaana in Pusiga.
According to the discussions, the additional transit points would provide alternative routes for the movement of goods, helping to decongest existing border crossings and facilitate cross-border trade.
The meeting also considered the establishment of designated holding areas, commonly referred to as tanker parks, where vehicles could be temporarily held before being released towards the border in an organised manner.
The proposed facilities could be developed through a partnership between TOR and private-sector operators.
Such holding areas are expected to address the indiscriminate parking of fuel tankers and other commercial vehicles along approaches to the borders, a situation that contributes to traffic congestion and delays.
The Minister and TOR management further discussed the need for a stakeholder sensitisation exercise targeting transporters, drivers, traders and other actors involved in the movement and clearance of goods.
The exercise would provide stakeholders with information on appropriate procedures and how to respond to incidents and other challenges that may occur during transportation and border clearance.
The proposed interventions are expected to improve traffic management, reduce delays and enhance the efficiency of Ghana’s northern trade corridors.
The engagement forms part of efforts by the Upper East Regional Minister to address logistical and trade-related challenges affecting the region and improve the movement of goods through its major border corridors.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
