The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has called for urgent and coordinated action among public institutions to remove persistent bottlenecks in Ghana’s trading system that delay the movement of goods and increase the cost of doing business.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 first quarter meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) at the Sogakope Beach Resort on Monday, March 9, 2026, Ahi said delays at ports, borders and within the goods clearance process place heavy financial burdens on importers, exporters and manufacturers, with the impact eventually passed on to ordinary Ghanaians.

According to him, unnecessary delays force importers to pay extra charges while exporters lose valuable time. Manufacturers who depend on imported inputs also face uncertainty that can disrupt production.

“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,” he said, explaining that a single avoidable delay can destroy the value of goods and weaken trust with buyers.

Ahi noted that the work of the NTFC is critical to ensuring that Ghana’s trade systems operate efficiently and 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.

It also forms part of Ghana’s obligations under 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 has been made in improving procedures and strengthening coordination among agencies, the Deputy Minister admitted that delays, duplication and uncertainty still exist within parts of the trade clearance system.

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

“The business community does not judge government only by the policies we announce,” Ahi said.

“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 added that 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.

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 that the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry would continue to support efforts to improve trade procedures, reduce delays and build a more efficient and reliable trading environment for businesses in Ghana.

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

He explained that efficient trade systems help 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 the faster movement of goods.

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