Mr Sampson Ahi, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has called on public institutions to intensify coordination to eliminate existing trade bottlenecks.
He observed that delays at ports, borders and within the goods clearance process place heavy financial burdens on importers, exporters and manufacturers, with the impact eventually passed on to ordinary Ghanaians.
“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,” he said at the opening of the 2026 first quarter meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) at Sogakope in the Volta Region.
Mr Ahi noted that the work of the NTFC was critical to ensuring that Ghana’s trade systems operated efficiently and inspired confidence among investors and the business community.
The committee brings together representatives from ministries, departments and agencies, the private sector and development partners to address challenges affecting trade.
During the meeting, the committee was expected to focus on developing an action plan to improve the movement of perishable goods such as fresh produce, fish and meat, which are particularly vulnerable to delays.
The establishment of the committee was part of Ghana’s obligation under the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement, which requires member countries to create a national committee to improve trade procedures and coordination.
While acknowledging that some progress had been made in improving procedures and strengthening coordination among agencies, the Deputy Minister admitted that delays, duplication and uncertainty still existed within parts of the trade clearance system.
He stressed that government’s efforts to expand production, exports and investment must be supported by efficient and predictable trade procedures that make it easier for businesses to operate.
Mr Ahi also noted that unnecessary delays forced importers to pay additional charges while exporters lost valuable time. Manufacturers who depend on imported inputs also faced uncertainty that could disrupt production.
“The business community does not judge government only by the policies we announce,” Mr 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.”
He therefore urged members of the committee to focus on practical solutions by identifying problem areas, assigning clear responsibilities to relevant institutions and agreeing on timelines for implementing reforms.
Mr Ahi assured participants that the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry would continue to support efforts to improve trade procedures, reduce delays and build a more efficient and reliable trading environment for businesses in Ghana.
Mr Kwamina Ekremet, Programme Manager for West Africa and AfCFTA at TradeMark Africa, highlighted the importance of strong trade facilitation systems in boosting Ghana’s competitiveness and supporting cross-border trade.
He explained that efficient trade systems helped reduce transaction costs, improve transparency and strengthen a country’s participation in regional and global markets.
Mr Ekremet reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana in implementing practical reforms to improve coordination among border agencies, streamline procedures and facilitate faster movement of goods.
He noted that particular attention must be given to sectors dealing in perishable products, where delays in clearance could lead to significant financial losses.
