The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has held a high-level exporters’ forum aimed at strengthening collaboration among exporters, regulators, and key stakeholders within the logistics and trade ecosystem.
The forum brought together representatives from the government agencies, industry associations, and exporters to discuss regulatory issues, operational challenges, and emerging developments across the export value chain to collectively find practical solutions to improve Ghana’s export competitiveness.
Some of the exporters took turns to express concerns regarding damage and quality defects resulting from scanning and handling of export goods at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
Participants were selected from key institutions including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Energy Commission, Veterinary Services, Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Customs (CEPS), Bank of Ghana (International Trade Department), Ghana International Trade Commission, Aviance Ghana, Ghana Plastics Association, Pioneer Food Company, among others.
National development
The Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation at GSA, Monica Josiah, in her welcome address at the forum, stated that exports hold a critical role in national development.
“The significant contribution of exports to Ghana’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth, employment creation, and currency stability priorities aligned with the President’s vision to expand and deepen Ghana’s traditional export base,” she said.
With shipping being a critical link in the export value chain, he stated that a seamless and efficient shipping process was indispensable to the success of every export transaction.
She further underscored the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address persistent challenges such as regulatory and compliance bottlenecks, inadequate infrastructure, inefficiencies in cargo screening, and gaps in institutional capacity.
Conformity
An official of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Eric Hammond, who presented a detailed presentation, highlighted the need for exporters to ensure conformity with the Letter of Commitment (LOC) requirements and strict adherence to the repatriation of export proceeds through their commercial banks.
“Compliance with LOC requirements is essential for maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s export regime.
“Export proceeds must be repatriated fully and on time, not only because it is a legal obligation but because it supports currency stability and strengthens our national reserves,” Mr. Hammond stressed.
Clarifying widespread misconceptions surrounding Ghana’s trade patterns, he said that the country was not as import dependent as commonly perceived.
“The data shows a more balanced trade structure than many assume,” he added.
Following concerns about the brevity of the former 60-day repatriation period, Mr Hammond announced that the bank had extended the deadline to 120 days after shipment.
He stated that the Bank of Ghana was in the process of developing a comprehensive manual on LOC requirements and a set of frequently asked questions to support exporters.
Illicit drug
The deputy Director General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Alexander Twum-Barimah, urged exporters to steer clear of illicit drug trafficking.
He said NACOC have heightened its vigilance within 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 stated.
The NACOC official assured participants of its commitment to collaborate with relevant institutions to improve cargo handling procedures and reduce avoidable damage to export items.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
