The Youth of Paga in the Upper East Region has appealed to the government to expedite the construction of the proposed Paga Inland Port, warning that the increasing number of heavy-duty trucks parked along the main highway poses a serious threat to lives and property.
According to the youth, the road is frequently lined with heavy-duty trucks, forcing some drivers to park on the nearby airstrip because of the lack of a designated holding area.
Speaking to Citi News, Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement, Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, said the strategic border town has witnessed a sharp increase in cross-border trade following improved trade relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso, resulting in hundreds of cargo trucks passing through and parking within residential areas.
“Burkina Faso conducts a significant portion of its international trade through Ghana. As a result, the volume of trucks passing through Paga has increased considerably,” he said.
“The situation has become worrying. Trucks are parked everywhere, and some have even resorted to using the airstrip because there is no adequate parking space,” he explained.
Mr. Aborah expressed concern that many of the trucks transport hazardous materials, including fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other flammable substances, posing a significant risk to nearby communities.
“These trucks carry dangerous goods such as fuel, gas and other hazardous materials. If an accident occurs, it could trigger a major disaster because the road runs through the middle of the town. The consequences would be devastating.”
He therefore called on government to prioritise the completion or upgrading of the proposed inland port to provide a safe and secure parking facility for cargo trucks operating along the busy international corridor.
“I am appealing to government to urgently address the truck parking situation. If the inland port cannot be completed immediately, it should at least be upgraded to provide adequate parking space for these vehicles, away from residential communities.”
Mr. Aborah said the inland port would not only improve public safety but also unlock enormous economic opportunities for the Upper East Region.
“The development of the inland port will transform trade, create employment opportunities for young people, enhance regional integration and position Northern Ghana as a major commercial hub within the West African sub-region.”
He added that the project would strengthen Ghana’s role as a gateway for trade with the Sahel while supporting economic growth across northern Ghana.
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