The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI), in collaboration with key government institutions and civil society partners, has concluded its nationwide Anti-Illicit Trade Road Walk Awareness and Education Campaign across three regions of the country.
The campaign, which started from December 1 to 20, 2025 covered Tamale, Kumasi and Accra, brought together stakeholders including the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and Environmental Protection Agency among others.
According to Chief Executive Officer of ILAPI, Mr. Peter Bismark Kwofie, smuggling networks which sustain illicit trade continue to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s economic stability, public safety, and public health.
This challenge, he explained, spans multiple sectors of the economy, including pharmaceuticals, food items, textiles, alcohol, tobacco, and other consumer goods, and persists despite Ghana’s sustained efforts to strengthen border control, regulatory enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration.
He said 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.
“Illicit trade is not a victimless crime. It weakens our economy, erodes government revenue, and exposes our youth to dangerous products. This campaign was designed to take the conversation directly to the streets and markets, where the impact of illicit trade is most deeply felt,” he stated.
“When illicit trade thrives, the government loses revenue needed for development; legitimate businesses are also crowded out. Addressing this challenge requires sustained collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and the public,” he stated.
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 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.