Ghana risks losing import trade to Abidjan – IEAG

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has issued a warning that Ghana could lose a significant portion of its import trade to competing ports in the region if urgent action is not taken to address congestion and delays at its ports. Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Executive Secretary of IEAG, spoke at a press conference, expressing concern that some importers are already considering rerouting their cargo through the Port of Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire due to the challenges faced in Ghana's ports.

The IEAG emphasized that this issue extends beyond physical congestion to encompass a broader trade competitiveness problem. They noted that delays and uncertainties in cargo clearance, valuation, shipping-line, terminal, documentation, transportation, and regulatory processes have direct implications for the cost and efficiency of doing business in Ghana.

The association called for immediate government intervention to restore efficiency and predictability at the ports, warning that the country risks losing its competitive edge in trade and industrialization if its ports become increasingly expensive, unpredictable, and time-consuming for importers. The IEAG also highlighted the excessive use of physical and intrusive examination, which contributes to congestion and called for a data-driven review of Customs' risk-management parameters.

They stressed the need for coordinated inspections involving various regulatory agencies and a review of port-related regulatory fees and charges, particularly those recently increased. The association urged authorities to examine the entire cargo evacuation cycle, from vessel discharge to exit, with the goal of reducing delays and improving efficiency.