The Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has called on public institutions to intensify coordination to eliminate existing trade bottlenecks.

Delays at the ports, borders, and within the goods clearance process placed heavy financial burdens on importers, exporters, and manufacturers, with the impact eventually passed on to the ordinary Ghanaian, he said.

“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 this at the opening of the 2026 first quarter meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) at Sogakope in the Volta Region.

He noted that the work of the NTFC was critical to ensuring the efficient operation of Ghana’s trade systems to inspire confidence among investors and the business community.

The Committee brings together representatives from ministries, departments and agencies, the private sector, and development partners to address challenges affecting trade.

In this round of meeting, the Committee would focus on developing an action plan to improve the movement of perishable goods such as fresh produce, fish, and meat, which are particularly vulnerable to delays.

The committee was established under an obligation of the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement, which requires member countries to establish a national committee to improve trade procedures and coordination.

While acknowledging that some progress had been made in improving procedures and strengthening coordination among agencies, the Deputy Minister admitted that delays, duplication, and uncertainty still existed within parts of the trade clearance system.

He stressed that government’s efforts to expand production, exports, and investment must be supported by efficient and predictable trade procedures that made it easier for businesses to operate.

Mr Ahi noted that unnecessary delays forced importers to pay extra charges while exporters lost valuable time. Manufacturers who depended on imported inputs also faced uncertainty that could disrupt 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 clear responsibilities to relevant institutions, and agreeing on timelines for implementing reforms.

He assured participants of the Ministry’s continued support to improve trade procedures, reduce delays, and build a more efficient and reliable trading environment for businesses in Ghana.

Mr Kwamina Ekremet, the Programme Manager, West Africa and AfCFTA, TradeMark Africa, highlighted the importance of strong trade facilitation systems in boosting Ghana’s competitiveness and supporting cross-border trade.

He explained that efficient trade systems helped to reduce transaction costs, improve transparency, and strengthen a country’s participation in regional and global markets.

Mr Ekremet reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana in implementing practical reforms to improve coordination among border agencies, streamline procedures, and facilitate faster movement of goods.

He noted that particular attention must be given to sectors dealing in perishable products, where delays in clearance could lead to significant financial losses.