A new package of investment, tax and customs reforms is being rolled out to improve trade flows and attract foreign capital as businesses grapple with stricter European Union import standards and rising compliance costs.
Speaking at the 2026 Ghana-European Union Partnership Dialogue in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Simon Madjie, said a new investment law under final legal review will establish a one-stop investment facilitation centre aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving the ease of doing business.
The legislation will also introduce an Investor Grievance Mechanism designed to resolve complaints before they escalate into legal or commercial disputes, a move authorities say could strengthen investor confidence and improve dispute resolution.
Madjie said broader economic reforms include the removal of the electronic levy and betting tax, simplification of value-added tax procedures and the digitalisation of tax administration by the Ghana Revenue Authority.
He also pointed to changes at the country’s ports, including expedited cargo processing for authorised economic operators and the deployment of an artificial intelligence-supported customs valuation system under the Integrated Customs Management System, or ICUMS.
According to Madjie, the measures are intended to improve transparency, cut clearance times and reduce costs for importers and exporters.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa proposed the creation of a local assessment mechanism that would verify whether export products comply with European Union standards before shipment.
The proposal is aimed at reducing rejected exports, shipment delays and additional costs for businesses exporting to Europe.
The European Union’s Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, said businesses are facing growing challenges adapting to evolving EU regulations, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation and stricter sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.
Skinnebach said the EU would continue engaging governments and private sector stakeholders to improve communication and support compliance efforts.
The dialogue ended with both sides reaffirming commitments to deeper cooperation on trade facilitation, investment promotion and regulatory alignment as European and African economies seek stronger commercial ties in an increasingly complex global trading environment.
