The Ghana International Trade Commission (GITC) has recommended a restriction on the importation of machetes into the country, effective March 2024.

This follows a petition by Crocodile Machets Company, a local manufacturer, which has complained of unfair trade practices by some importers of the products. 

After a careful investigation and hearing, the Commission said the petitioner has been treated unfairly and recommended remedial measures to correct the ongoing market imbalances.

The petition by Crocodile Machets Ghana Limited was made in 2021 after it observed an influx of counterfeit machete products onto the Ghanaian market, selling at cheaper rates.

According to the Ghana International Trade Commission, there was evidence of increasing imports of machetes onto the domestic market and in effect causing serious injury to the domestic industry.

Chairman of the Commission, Nana Adu Gyamfi noted that the Commission has recommended 65% quota on all imports of the products for the next two years.

“The 65% quota translates into a total of 1534.4 metric tonnes as against the current 2,365.85 metric tonnes of machetes imported annually. The remaining shortfall of 831.45 metric tonnes is expected to be compensated by Crocodile Machets to enable it to be competitive and restore its market share,” he stated.

Managing Director of Crocodile Machets Company Limited, Sjoerd Grueter welcomed the decision and expressed confidence that the company will be revived following the move.

The issues of counterfeiting and standards as pertained in the petition were referred to the appropriate national regulators.