The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has convened with representatives of the Trade Advocacy Group (TAGG), an organization comprising traders, importers, and commercial enterprises, as part of his comprehensive policy consultation initiative.
The discussion addressed obstacles facing trade- and import-oriented businesses, along with proposed policy measures to improve the commercial landscape and strengthen Ghana’s standing as a leading regional commerce hub.
Bawumia documented the engagement in a social media post, noting that traders cited numerous impediments to their commercial activities, including elevated and allegedly discretionary import tariffs, rising demurrage costs, high commercial rental fees, heavy tax burdens, and limited access to financial services.
He emphasized that the dialogue afforded traders an opportunity to communicate the practical difficulties they experience in routine operations and to recommend interventions that could facilitate business operations and facilitate expansion.
“I engaged with the Trade Advocacy Group, representing traders, importers and commercial entities, for a substantive dialogue regarding their existing obstacles and the trajectory of commerce and enterprise in Ghana, consistent with my policy consultation framework.
“They articulated multiple impediments, including elevated and discretionary import tariffs, substantial demurrage expenses, considerable shop rental costs, significant tax obligations, and constrained access to financial resources.”
He further noted that the overarching aim of these consultations was to establish policy frameworks that would mitigate operational constraints affecting enterprises, broaden commercial prospects, and facilitate employment generation.
“The dialogue concentrated on policy approaches that would address these impediments and facilitate commercial operations, broaden commercial opportunities, generate employment and establish Ghana as a commercial center within the sub-region.”
Recently, associations representing traders and importers have communicated apprehensions regarding port inefficiencies, maritime-related expenses, and protracted cargo processing procedures.
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has cautioned that extended delays at port facilities may prompt certain importers to explore alternative regional trade hubs, such as the Port of Abidjan located in Côte d’Ivoire.
