The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has held a high-level Exporters’ Forum to deepen collaboration among exporters, regulators and key stakeholders within the logistics and trade ecosystem to enhance Ghana’s export competitiveness.
The forum brought together representatives from government agencies, industry associations and exporting firms to discuss regulatory issues, operational challenges and emerging developments across the export value chain, with the aim of identifying practical, coordinated solutions.
In a welcome address, Madam Monica Josiah, Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation at the GSA, underscored the critical role of exports in Ghana’s national development, noting their contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, employment creation and currency stability.
She said strengthening exports aligned with the President’s vision to expand and deepen Ghana’s traditional export base, adding that shipping remained a vital link in the export chain.
Madam Josiah stressed that a seamless and efficient shipping process was indispensable to the success of export transactions and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address persistent challenges, including regulatory and compliance barriers, infrastructure deficits, cargo screening inefficiencies and institutional capacity gaps.
A presentation by the Bank of Ghana (BoG), delivered by Mr. Eric Hammond of the International Trade Department, highlighted the need for exporters to comply strictly with Letter of Commitment (LOC) requirements and to ensure the full and timely repatriation of export proceeds through their commercial banks.
“Compliance with LOC requirements is essential for maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s export regime,” Mr. Hammond said, explaining that export proceeds must be repatriated not only as a legal obligation but also to support currency stability and strengthen national reserves.
He also addressed misconceptions about Ghana’s trade structure, noting that available data showed the country was not as import-dependent as widely perceived.
Responding to concerns over the former 60-day repatriation period, Mr. Hammond announced that the BoG had extended the deadline to 120 days after shipment.
He added that the Bank was developing a comprehensive manual on LOC requirements, alongside a set of frequently asked questions, to guide exporters.
The second presentation was delivered by Mr. Alexander Twum-Barimah, Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination.
He cautioned exporters against engaging in or facilitating illicit drug trafficking, stating that NACOC had intensified vigilance along the export chain.
“We will not hesitate to act against anyone who attempts to use legitimate export channels for illicit drug activities,” Mr. Twum-Barimah said.
He disclosed that the Chief Justice had assured NACOC of plans to establish a dedicated court for the swift prosecution of drug-related offences, and reminded exporters that NACOC officers were empowered under Section 33 of the NACOC Act to profile individuals at seaports and airports.
During an open forum session, exporters raised concerns about damage and quality defects caused by scanning and handling of export goods at the Kotoka International Airport.
In response, NACOC assured participants of its commitment to work with relevant institutions to improve cargo handling procedures and minimise avoidable damage.
Other concerns discussed included ICUMS system downtimes, cumbersome permit processes, the need for a dedicated cargo aircraft for Ghana and issues relating to the disinfection of export cargo.
Institutions represented at the forum included the Environmental Protection Agency, NACOC, Ghana Energy Commission, Veterinary Services, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Customs, the Bank of Ghana, Ghana International Trade Commission, Aviance Ghana, the Ghana Plastics Association and Pioneer Food Company.
The forum reaffirmed the GSA’s commitment, together with partner institutions, to sustained stakeholder engagement, coordinated problem-solving and the creation of an efficient, transparent and globally competitive export environment for Ghana.
