Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has stressed that security and the free movement of people and goods are not opposing objectives but complementary pillars of Africa’s economic transformation.
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2026 in Accra, the Minister said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a historic opportunity for continental integration, but its success depends on effectively addressing security concerns, migration governance, and border management challenges.
“The theme, Empowering SMEs, Women, and Youth in Africa’s Single Market through Innovation, Collaboration, and Trade, resonates deeply. At its heart are small and medium enterprises, which remain the lifeblood of African economies,” he stated.
Hon. Muntaka called for smart, coordinated, and technology-enabled approaches to border management that both facilitate trade and enhance safety and trust across the continent. He cited the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons as a practical example of successful regional integration, noting that it allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days across West Africa.
He further emphasized the need for a harmonised African Union biometric identity system to support secure and efficient movement across borders. “A borderless Africa does not mean borderless security; it means smart borders,” he said.
According to the Interior Minister, achieving this vision will require a shift from siloed operations to integrated border management systems, sustained investment in capacity-building for frontline officers, and the deployment of technology-driven clearance and verification platforms.
“Let us build an Africa where goods move freely, people move safely, and prosperity moves widely,” he urged.
Also speaking at the Dialogue, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, acknowledged that financing gaps remain a major constraint for small and medium-sized enterprises. She, however, reaffirmed government’s commitment to addressing these challenges and encouraged participants to engage in productive deliberations.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2026 seeks to advance practical solutions for Africa’s economic integration. The forum features high-level discussions, panel sessions, and networking opportunities, bringing together leaders from government, the private sector, and civil society.
Story by: Ernest Frimpong (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
