The government is taking steps to improve the movement of perishable goods across Ghana’s trade corridors as part of efforts to reduce delays that affect businesses and increase the cost of goods for consumers.
At the opening of the first quarter 2026 meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) in Sogakope, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, said the meeting would prioritise the development of an action plan to improve the handling and movement of perishable goods such as fresh produce, fish and meat.
He explained that such products were particularly vulnerable to delays at ports, border posts and within the goods clearance process, often resulting in financial losses for traders.
“For traders dealing in perishable goods, delay is not an inconvenience to be managed later. It is a direct threat to income, market access and business survival,” Mr Ahi said.
The NTFC, which brings together representatives from government institutions, the private sector and development partners, was established under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement to help member countries improve coordination and streamline trade procedures.
Mr Ahi said while Ghana had made some progress in strengthening cooperation among agencies and improving procedures, several challenges remained within the trade clearance system, including delays, duplication of processes and uncertainty.
According to him, efficient and predictable trade systems were essential to support the government’s efforts to expand production, exports and investment in the country.
He noted that delays at ports and borders forced importers to incur additional charges while exporters lost valuable time in accessing markets. Manufacturers who relied on imported inputs also faced disruptions that could affect production.
“The business community does not judge government only by the policies we announce. It is judged by how our systems behave — the time it takes to clear goods, the predictability of procedures and how well institutions work together,” he said.
Mr Ahi therefore urged members of the Committee to focus on practical solutions by identifying problem areas, assigning responsibilities to the relevant institutions and agreeing on timelines for implementing reforms.
He assured participants of the Ministry’s commitment to improving trade procedures and building a more reliable trading environment for businesses in Ghana.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Programme Manager for West Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Area at TradeMark Africa, Kwamina Ekremet, underscored the role of efficient trade systems in strengthening Ghana’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
He said improved coordination among border agencies and streamlined procedures could significantly reduce transaction costs, improve transparency and facilitate faster movement of goods across borders.
Mr Ekremet reaffirmed TradeMark Africa’s commitment to supporting Ghana in implementing reforms that would enhance trade facilitation, particularly in sectors dealing with perishable products where delays often lead to major financial losses.
