A combination of tax relief, exchange rate stability and easing inflation is making the cost of doing business in Ghana cheaper and more predictable for traders, according to the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG).
The association says recent fiscal and macroeconomic adjustments are helping importers and exporters better manage operating costs, particularly those linked to foreign currency transactions, port charges and day-to-day trade expenses.
In its annual review, Executive Secretary of IEAG, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said government efforts to streamline taxes are already yielding tangible benefits for businesses. He pointed to the removal of the one percent COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy and recent adjustments to VAT as key measures easing financial pressure on traders and improving cash flow.
“The removal of nuisance levies and VAT adjustments are helping to reduce the cost burden on businesses and improve predictability,” Awingobit said, adding that such reforms are critical for trade competitiveness.
Exchange rate stability has also emerged as a major relief for traders who depend heavily on the US dollar for imports, freight, and port-related charges. Awingobit noted that the Ghanaian cedi has shown relative stability and modest appreciation against the dollar, helping to moderate import costs and reduce pricing volatility.
“The gains in the cedi are particularly important for importers, as they lower the effective cost of international transactions,” he said.
This improvement has been reinforced by a sustained decline in inflation, which has eased pressure on both businesses and households. According to IEAG, lower inflation, improved exchange rate stability and declining borrowing costs are creating a more predictable operating environment, enabling traders to plan pricing, manage cash flows and make investment decisions with greater confidence.
Beyond macroeconomic conditions, the association highlighted operational gains at Ghana’s ports as another positive development. Improved processes and greater use of digital tools are contributing to faster cargo clearance, shorter delays and increased transparency. IEAG said these efficiency gains are particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises operating on thin margins.
While welcoming ongoing port modernisation, IEAG cautioned that the adoption of artificial intelligence in customs and port operations must be carefully managed. Awingobit said any AI-driven systems must be transparent, secure and fully integrated with Ghana’s existing trade platforms, especially the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
“We support innovation, but digital upgrades must align seamlessly with national systems to avoid duplication, system conflicts or disruptions to trade,” he said.
IEAG stressed that sustaining the current gains will require consistent policy support, continued investment in infrastructure and the responsible deployment of technology. Even so, the association believes that VAT relief, a steadier cedi, falling inflation and gradual digital upgrades are already helping traders operate in a more stable, predictable and business-friendly environment.
