The government has issued a strong call for a unified effort to dismantle the logistical bottlenecks and bureaucratic delays that are hindering the rapid movement of goods through Ghana’s ports and borders. Officials warn that these inefficiencies are inflating business costs and undermining the nation’s economic competitiveness.
The call to action was made by the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, during the opening of the first quarter meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee at the Sogakope Beach Resort. He stressed that protracted clearance times create significant financial strain for importers, exporters, and local manufacturers—costs that are often passed down to Ghanaian consumers.
“Businesses relying on imported inputs face unexpected costs and uncertainty when their goods are held up,” Hon. Ahi stated. He noted that exporters, too, are losing valuable time and market access due to administrative delays that are largely avoidable.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the particularly severe impact on traders dealing in perishable goods. Products such as fresh produce, fish, and meat can spoil rapidly when held up in customs, leading to major financial losses, eroding market confidence, and damaging long-term trade relationships.
Hon. Ahi emphasized the critical role of the National Trade Facilitation Committee as a platform for fostering collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and development partners. This cooperation, he explained, is essential for finding practical solutions and is also a key requirement of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, to which Ghana is a signatory.
While acknowledging progress made in recent years, Hon. Ahi admitted that significant challenges remain. “Duplication, delays, and uncertainty still persist within parts of the clearance system,” he said. He warned that Ghana’s ambitions to expand local production, boost exports, and attract much-needed investment are directly tied to the efficiency and predictability of its trade systems.
“Businesses judge government performance by how smoothly systems operate on the ground,” he added. Transparency, speed of clearance, and inter-agency cooperation are vital for building investor confidence and strengthening the country’s economic standing.
The Deputy Minister urged committee members to prioritize practical reforms that will expedite the movement of goods, especially perishable commodities. He called on stakeholders to identify specific problem areas, assign clear responsibilities, and set firm timelines for implementing solutions.
Reinforcing this message, Frank Matsaert of TradeMark Africa, who also addressed the meeting, underscored the importance of robust trade systems for Ghana’s integration into regional and global markets. He noted that efficient procedures lower transaction costs and boost transparency.
“Strong coordination among border agencies is critical,” Mr. Matsaert said, reaffirming his organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s reform agenda. He added a specific warning about the perishable goods sector, where even minor delays can translate into devastating financial losses for traders.
Hon. Ahi concluded by assuring stakeholders of the Ministry’s unwavering support for reforms that will dismantle trade barriers and create a more reliable and prosperous business environment for all.
