Group leads nationwide roadshow against illicit trade, smuggling

In a concerted national effort to confront the growing menace of illicit trade and smuggling in Ghana, the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI), in collaboration with key government institutions and civil society partners, has successfully concluded a Nationwide Anti-Illicit Trade Road Walk Awareness and Education Campaign across three major regions of the country.

The campaign, which took place between 1st and 20th December 2025, covered Tamale in the Northern Region, Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, and Accra in the Greater Accra Region, bringing together stakeholders including the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Environmental Protection Agency, health professionals, students, civil society organisations, and community volunteers.

More than 720 participants took part in the exercise, more than double the initial target of 300, demonstrating strong public and institutional support for the campaign.

“Illicit trade is not a victimless crime. It weakens our economy, erodes government revenue, and exposes our youth to dangerous products,” said Mr. Peter Bismark Kwofie, Chief Executive Officer of ILAPI.

He added: “This campaign was designed to take the conversation directly to the streets and markets, where the impact of illicit trade is most deeply felt.”

Illicit trade and the smuggling networks that sustain it, continue to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s economic stability, public safety, and public health.

This challenge spans multiple sectors of the economy, including pharmaceuticals, food items, textiles, alcohol, tobacco, and other consumer goods. It persists despite Ghana’s sustained efforts to strengthen border control, regulatory enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration.

Structural vulnerabilities such as porous borders, wide tax differentials, and the growing sophistication of organised smuggling networks have, however, continued to undermine these regulatory gains.

“When illicit trade thrives, the government loses revenue needed for development; legitimate businesses are also crowded out,” Mr. Kwofie said adding “Addressing this challenge requires sustained collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and the public.”

The Road Walk campaign was deliberately conducted through busy market areas and commercial corridors, enabling direct engagement with traders, transport operators, market women, students, and the general public.

Participants distributed educational materials, engaged community members in conversations, and amplified messages on the economic, social and health consequences of illicit trade, while also drawing attention to its links with broader criminal activities such as counterfeit goods distribution, smuggled alcohol, and illegal mining.

The strong turnout, particularly in Accra, which recorded the highest participation, underscored rising public awareness and concern about the impact of illicit trade on livelihoods and national development.

The campaign also benefited from robust inter-agency cooperation. The Ghana Police Service provided escorts and ensured public safety throughout the walks, while regulatory agencies used the platform to educate citizens on existing laws, enforcement mechanisms, and civic responsibilities.

“The success of this campaign shows what is possible when institutions work together with citizens toward a common national goal. Awareness is the first line of defence against illicit markets, and this initiative has laid a solid foundation for sustained action,” Kwofie noted.

ILAPI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legitimate trade, youth empowerment, public health, and economic integrity, and called for continued collaboration to build on the gains of the Road Walk initiative.