By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Accra, Dec. 18, GNA – The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called for sustained government policy support to consolidate recent gains in the port and trade sector, particularly in foreign exchange availability, targeted concessions for local businesses and continued reforms to enhance port competitiveness.
The call was made at a press conference in Accra addressed by Mr Samson Awingobit Asaki, the Executive Secretary, where the association presented a year-in-review of developments in port operations, revenue mobilisation and the broader macroeconomic environment.
The association acknowledged improvements in the business climate, citing the relative stability of the Ghanaian cedi, declining inflation and reduced interest rates as factors contributing to a more predictable operating environment for traders.
It noted that customs revenue had increased to more than US$3.179 billion as of September 2025, compared to about US$3.108 billion over the same period in 2024, attributing the growth to improved trade facilitation and the performance of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
The IEAG, however, said intermittent technical challenges with ICUMS had affected operational stability, but it commended collaborative efforts with system operators to address the issues, which included the establishment of a new central data workspace to enhance system resilience.
It further observed that reforms such as the 24-hour terminal operations had improved cargo handling capacity and throughput, strengthening Tema Port’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub.
Touching on fiscal measures, the IEAG welcomed the removal of the one per cent COVID-19 health levy and adjustments to the Value Added Tax regime under the 2026 reforms, describing them as steps that would ease the cost burden on traders and support business recovery.
On currency developments, it noted that the cedi’s appreciation against the US dollar had helped reduce foreign exchange pressures on importers, particularly in relation to freight and port charges.
The association also drew attention to reports about the planned introduction of an artificial intelligence-driven system at Ghana’s ports, stressing that while it supported modernisation, any new system must be credible, transparent and fully aligned with existing national platforms, especially ICUMS.
It expressed concern over reports that the proposed AI system would rely heavily on ICUMS data, warning that customs data constituted a strategic national asset and must be protected to safeguard data sovereignty, prevent revenue leakages and minimise cybersecurity risks.
The IEAG called for extensive stakeholder engagement, clear integration frameworks and capacity building for Ghanaian customs and technical personnel to ensure that any technological upgrades delivered efficiency without increasing the cost of doing business.
It also urged the government to maintain policy consistency and transparency in reforms affecting the ports and trade sector, stating that sustained collaboration with stakeholders remained critical to building a resilient, efficient and globally competitive trade environment.
GNA
Christian Akorlie