Bawumia Engages Traders on Import Duties, Demurrage and Credit Challenges
The former Vice President’s policy dialogue with traders focused on reducing business costs and improving the operating environment.
- Traders raise concerns over import duties.
- Demurrage and taxes come under discussion.
- Bawumia seeks measures to ease business costs.
Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2028 presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has met with traders, importers and other business operators as part of his ongoing policy dialogue series.
The engagement with the Trade Advocacy Group focused on challenges facing businesses, including concerns over high and, according to the group, arbitrary import duties, rising demurrage charges, expensive shop rentals and high taxes.
Access to credit was also identified as a major concern, with discussions focusing on possible policy measures to ease financial pressures on traders and improve the business environment.
The meeting comes amid broader concerns among importers about rising costs and delays at Ghana’s ports.
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has previously warned that persistent congestion and delays could drive up storage and demurrage costs and undermine the competitiveness of Ghana’s ports as a trade gateway.
Dr Bawumia said the engagement was intended to identify practical policy measures that could make it easier for businesses to operate, expand and create employment opportunities.
He also said the broader objective was to position Ghana as a trade hub in the sub-region while improving the operating environment for traders and businesses.
The former Vice President expressed appreciation to the Trade Advocacy Group for participating in the discussions and presenting proposals on the challenges confronting the sector.
