The Acting Director General of GPHA, Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has committed to lowering business costs at Ghana’s ports by reviewing tariffs and abolishing burdensome levies. This initiative aims to increase trade competitiveness, particularly for transit traders from neighboring countries who cite high fees as barriers. The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association has also called for addressing additional operational issues to support local businesses.
Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, the Acting Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has pledged to lower the costs associated with conducting business at Ghana’s ports. This initiative is aimed at increasing competitiveness and attracting greater trade activity. During a meeting with the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, he highlighted government efforts to remove certain levies that have historically burdened importers and exporters.
Additionally, Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono announced that the GPHA is currently assessing port tariffs as part of an overall strategy to improve efficiency and lower operational costs. He acknowledged the challenges faced by transit traders from Burkina Faso and other Sahel countries, who have reported that excessive taxes deter them from utilizing Ghana’s ports. Many of these traders find ports in nearby Abidjan and Lomé more attractive due to their lower tariffs and lack of specific fees, such as the COVID-19 and disinfection taxes.
He quoted, “Our colleagues engaged in transit trade have expressed dissatisfaction with some of these levies, arguing that they make Ghana’s ports less competitive.” He articulated the challenge of higher tariffs combined with a language barrier, as Ghana’s English usage contrasts with the French-speaking tendencies of neighboring countries. Ongoing discussions are underway to review these taxes, and he expressed optimism about forthcoming adjustments.
The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobit, called on GPHA to also address issues such as high demurrage fees and truck overloading within the ports. He asserted, “To attract more business from our landlocked neighbors, we must enforce standard loading limits to prevent excessive road deterioration caused by overloaded trucks.” He emphasized that improving port operations and reducing costs is essential for benefiting local businesses and enhancing Ghana’s reputation as a key regional trade hub.
In conclusion, the GPHA is taking decisive steps to reduce business costs at Ghana’s ports, enhancing their competitiveness and attractiveness for trade. Ongoing reviews of tariffs and the abolition of certain levies demonstrate a commitment to addressing the needs of importers and exporters. Collaborative efforts are crucial for overcoming challenges such as high charges and operational inefficiencies to secure Ghana’s position as a premier trade destination in the region.
Original Source: citinewsroom.com
