By Perdita AGYARKJO
In a packed media gathering on 4 January 2026, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) lauded the Bank of Ghana’s monetary policies and the broader macroeconomic performance that, according to the association, helped the country close 2025 on a high note.
Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit delivered a comprehensive address, outlining how a stronger cedi, bolstered foreign‑exchange reserves and a surge in export earnings translated into tangible benefits for traders and port operators across the nation.
Awingobit began by recalling the turbulent start to 2025, when the cedi slipped against the United States dollar amid global commodity price volatility and domestic inflationary pressures. “Within a few months, disciplined monetary action and improved market confidence enabled the cedi to rebound by more than 40 % against the dollar,” he said. This turnaround, he added, was underpinned by a series of policy measures taken by the Bank of Ghana, including tighter liquidity management and the strategic use of foreign‑exchange interventions.
Reserve Build‑Up and Export Surge
The executive secretary highlighted that gross international reserves had climbed to over US$11 billion by mid‑year, providing roughly five months of import cover. “Such a reserve buffer is crucial for maintaining stability in the foreign‑exchange market and for reassuring traders that the country can meet its external obligations,” Awingobit explained.
Equally important, he noted, was the 60 % increase in export earnings recorded in the first half of 2025. The growth was driven largely by higher gold and cocoa prices, as well as a modest uptick in non‑traditional exports such as processed foods and textiles. “The export surge has helped balance our external accounts and has been a key factor in the cedi’s appreciation,” he said.
Impact on Port Operations and Trade Costs
The IEAG briefing detailed several operational gains at Ghana’s major ports, particularly during the 2025 yuletide period. With a stronger cedi reducing the foreign‑exchange component of duty payments, freight charges and ancillary port fees, importers reported lower clearance costs. “Trader liquidity improved markedly as the cedi’s strength lowered the cedi cost of dollar‑denominated working capital,” Awingobit remarked. This, in turn, facilitated faster cargo turnover and reduced congestion at the Tema and Takoradi ports.
The association also pointed to enhanced confidence among importers and exporters, noting that the stable macroeconomic environment encouraged businesses to expand their inventories and explore new markets within the ECOWAS region.
Praise for the Bank of Ghana and a Call for Balanced Reporting
While acknowledging that no institution is without challenges, IEAG extended its appreciation to the Bank of Ghana for what it described as “steady stewardship” throughout 2025. “The central bank’s technical expertise and commitment to price stability have been instrumental in restoring confidence in the cedi and in supporting trade continuity,” Awingobit said.
He urged media outlets to provide balanced coverage that reflects both the achievements and the remaining obstacles. “Accurate, contextual reporting is essential for shaping public understanding of how monetary policy decisions impact everyday traders and the broader economy,” he added.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, IEAG expressed optimism that continued prudent monetary policy, coupled with constructive engagement between the public and private sectors, will sustain the cedi’s strength and further boost trade volumes. The association called for strengthened regulatory frameworks and deeper policy coordination to enhance Ghana’s export competitiveness and reinforce its status as a regional logistics hub.
In closing, Awingobit extended New‑Year greetings to all stakeholders, thanking journalists, policymakers, and fellow traders for their dedication. “Together, we look forward to a prosperous and impactful 2026,” he said.
