The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening systems that empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to compete effectively in global markets. Speaking at a validation workshop in Aflao, GEPA’s CEO, Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, represented by Mr. Banda Z.K. Abdallah, emphasized the vital role MSMEs play in Ghana’s economic development. She acknowledged that challenges like limited access to trade information, unclear procedures, and infrastructure deficiencies at border posts hinder the efficiency and competitiveness of exporters.
The workshop was part of a project titled “Building Resilience of Women and Youth-Led MSMEs through AfCFTA for Green and Inclusive Recovery and Growth,” which GEPA is implementing in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative aims to empower women and youth-led MSMEs across Ghana by improving cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The establishment of trade information desks at key border posts is seen as crucial to this goal, offering businesses timely, accurate, and accessible trade-related information to ease export processes.
Dr. Asare highlighted that these trade desks would help streamline procedures, reduce bottlenecks, and facilitate smoother operations for exporters, particularly those transitioning to seize AfCFTA opportunities. She called for collaboration and innovation to build systems that empower MSMEs, remove trade barriers, and promote prosperity.
Researcher Dr. Martin Akogti presented findings on challenges facing small-scale cross-border traders, including complex customs procedures, high transaction costs, lack of clarity on trade regulations, poor infrastructure, and language barriers. He noted that existing information desks at some agencies are insufficient, and establishing a one-stop information desk would significantly improve the trade environment.
Stakeholders at the workshop made suggestions to improve the implementation of trade desks, such as adding call centers and multilingual support. Some emphasized the importance of security, urging traders to report suspicious activities like arms smuggling. Representatives from cross-border trade associations expressed appreciation for GEPA’s efforts and asked to be involved in planning to ensure the recommendations reflect real challenges faced on the ground.
In interviews, participants like cross-border woman trader Dzifa Dufe described the workshop as informative and urged the prompt implementation of recommendations to improve trade.
