The Aflao Traditional Council has lauded the decision of the governments of Ghana and Togo to open their border at Aflao for 24 hours.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Togbe Amenya Fiti V, Paramount Chief of the area, said the efforts of President John Agyekum Kufuor and his Togolese counterpart to create a liberal environment for increased cross-border activities and economic improvement of the peoples of the two countries was gratifying.

He said the move was a practical manifestation of the spirit of ECOWAS and the African Union that seek to unite the people of the continent.

"The artificial boundaries created by colonialism that divided people of the same blood should not remain a setback to the development of our peoples."

Togbe Fiti expressed the hope that the permanent re-opening of the border would bring Aflao back to its former status as a flourishing marketing centre.

He reiterated the need to strengthen security in the area in order to cope with the expected increase in the volume of work.

He said the Traditional Council would spearhead the formation of community watchdog committees to complement the fight against crime.

Togbe Fiti noted that fatal accidents often occur on the Tema-Aflao road because travellers and drivers rush to beat the 22:00 hours closure time, while those who arrive late have to contend with the harsh weather in the open till the following morning.

He called for quick action on the reconstruction of the Tema-Aflao road to cope with the volume of traffic, especially, in the night.

At a political forum, the Paramount Chief urged the two governments to co-operate with each other to consolidate democratic governance in their countries to enhance an environment devoid of intimidation.

He called for the erection of a monument by the two governments in honour of those, who lost their lives in border skirmishes between the two countries.