News:
May 7, 2026
The first Rapporteur of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Committee on Trade, Customs and Free Movement, Dr. Sulaiman A. Gumi, has stated that the challenges citizens face regarding free movement stem largely from ignorance of their rights.
According to Dr. Gumi, if ECOWAS citizens were aware of their rights under the free movement protocol, they would be better equipped to deal with immigration officials who demand money at borders between member states.
In an interview, he noted that informed citizens, especially women who cross borders for trade, would insist on their rights. He expressed belief that this awareness would gradually reduce extortion at border posts, as officials would think twice before demanding illegal payments.
Dr. Gumi further called on ECOWAS to establish a mechanism that sets up dedicated committee desks at border crossings. He added that during a delocalised meeting in Sierra Leone, his committee proposed the creation of complaint desks at borders, staffed by two officers—one on each side—to receive complaints from victims of extortion and ensure action is taken.
“When border officials understand that they will be held responsible for their actions, I am sure things will improve,” Dr. Gumi said. “But remember, Rome was not built in a day. Gradually, it will sink in, and our ECOWAS citizens will enjoy the protocol on free movement.”
—Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com