Gov’t aims to remove bottlenecks to enhance trade flow

The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has called for urgent and coordinated action among public institutions to eliminate persistent bottlenecks in Ghana’s trading system, which delay the movement of goods and increase the cost of doing business.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 first-quarter meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) at Sogakope Beach Resort on Monday, March 9, 2026, Ahi said delays at ports, borders, and in goods clearance processes impose heavy financial burdens on importers, exporters, and manufacturers—costs that ultimately affect ordinary Ghanaians.

“Unnecessary delays force importers to pay extra charges, while exporters lose valuable time. Manufacturers relying on imported inputs also face uncertainty that can disrupt production,” he explained. “For traders dealing in perishable goods, delay is not an inconvenience to be managed later—it is a direct threat to income, market access, and business survival. A single avoidable delay can destroy the value of goods and weaken trust with buyers.”

Ahi emphasized that the NTFC plays a critical role in ensuring Ghana’s trade systems operate efficiently, boosting confidence among investors and the business community.

The Committee, which brings together representatives from ministries, departments, agencies, the private sector, and development partners, addresses challenges affecting trade. It is also part of Ghana’s obligations under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, which requires member countries to establish a national committee to improve trade procedures and coordination.

While acknowledging some progress in strengthening coordination among agencies and improving procedures, the Deputy Minister admitted that delays, duplication, and uncertainty remain within parts of the trade clearance system.

He stressed that government efforts to expand production, exports, and investment must be supported by efficient and predictable trade procedures that make it easier for businesses to operate.

“The business community does not judge government only by the policies we announce,” Ahi said. “It is judged by how our systems behave—the time it takes to clear goods, the predictability of procedures, and how well institutions work together.”

The Deputy Minister added that the Committee would focus on developing an action plan to improve the movement of perishable goods, including fresh produce, fish, and meat, which are particularly vulnerable to delays. He urged members to identify problem areas, assign clear responsibilities to relevant institutions, and agree on timelines for implementing reforms.

He assured participants that the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry would continue supporting efforts to improve trade procedures, reduce delays, and build a more efficient and reliable trading environment for businesses in Ghana.

Also addressing the meeting, Kwamina Ekremet, Programme Manager for West Africa and AfCFTA at TradeMark Africa, highlighted the importance of strong trade facilitation systems in enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness and supporting cross-border trade.

He noted that efficient trade systems reduce transaction costs, improve transparency, and strengthen a country’s participation in regional and global markets. Ekremet reaffirmed TradeMark Africa’s commitment to supporting Ghana in implementing practical reforms to improve coordination among border agencies, streamline procedures, and facilitate faster movement of goods, particularly in sectors dealing with perishable products, where delays can result in significant financial losses.