The President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Stephan Abbas Miezan, has raised urgent concerns regarding challenges faced by importers at Ghanaian ports.
During a recent working visit to the Western Regional Coordinating Council, Miezan highlighted specific complaints from Burkinabè importers about alleged harassment by Ghanaian security officers.
The visit aimed to discuss ways the Western Regional Coordinating Council and the GNCCI can collaborate to foster a more robust business environment in the region.
Miezan emphasised the significant role of businesses in employment, stating, “The government is the singular largest employer, but businesses collectively employ much more than the government. That’s why the chamber advocates for favourable working conditions for the business community.”
He also commended the government for recent economic improvements, mentioning the stability of the Ghanaian cedi and reduced inflation, which benefits both consumers and businesses.
Miezan expressed serious concerns about the hurdles faced by importers, particularly noting, “We are trying to encourage [Burkinabè importers] to use the Takoradi Port as their major port of transit, but issues such as police harassment deter them.”
He urged the regional authorities to coordinate with the police and other security agencies to create a welcoming environment for importers, stressing that any discouragement could lead businesses to seek alternatives such as ports in the Ivory Coast or Togo, resulting in lost revenue for Ghana.
In response, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting the business community, sharing that the port director is already working on initiatives to enhance the operating environment for businesses from neighbouring West African countries.
He stated, “The director has shared a copy of the action plans on how to attract our West African neighbours to use the port for their goods.”
The collaboration between the GNCCI and local government is critical in addressing these challenges, aiming to create a more favourable environment for trade and investment in Ghana.
Some members of the chamber called for support with the 24-hour economic policy.
Reporting by Isaac Hughes in the Western Region
Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: atlanticafricanews.com/, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
