This paper examines the security conditions at the Ghanaian borders and illegal entry routes of immigrants into Ghana using the perspectives of local traders who venture across borders in their trading activity. The paper applies a descriptive design in which a total of 399 local traders provided data to help appreciate perspectives about the border and economy. The study finding shows the perspective that migration to Ghana occurs mainly through official routes, especially, by virtue of ECOWAS free trade protocol. It equally shows the porousness of Ghana’s borders with several unapproved openings for smuggling activities. This breach of the borders is exacerbated by actions of border residents that support smuggling across borders for money and as a business of their own. Despite the deployment of security officers for border patrols, the challenge of illegal cross-border movement has not been stemmed. This study recommends that security should be improved at identified illegal entry points by increasing border security personnel and logistics.

Keywords: Ghanaian borders, security, border residents, free movement