Reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana was at the centre of discussions between former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the Trade Advocacy Group.
The association, which represents traders, importers and other business operators, outlined several challenges it says are constraining business growth.
Key concerns raised included the high cost of importing goods, demurrage charges at the ports, shop rents, taxes and limited access to credit.
The discussions examined possible policy measures to address these challenges and create an environment that enables businesses to expand, create jobs and take advantage of opportunities in Ghana and across the wider sub-region.
Port-related costs also featured prominently in the concerns raised by importers. Industry groups have previously warned that delays at Ghana’s ports increase cargo dwell time, storage costs and demurrage liabilities, while government has announced measures to reduce some demurrage charges resulting from port delays.
Dr Bawumia said the engagement formed part of his ongoing policy dialogue series, through which he is gathering views from various stakeholder groups on economic challenges and potential policy responses.
He said the consultations were aimed at informing policies that would make it easier to do business, expand economic opportunities and strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional trading hub.
Dr Bawumia thanked members of the Trade Advocacy Group for participating in the engagement and for sharing their concerns and policy proposals.
