The Acting Director General of GPHA, Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, has pledged to reduce business costs at Ghana’s ports to boost competitiveness and trade. Recent government actions to abolish certain levies and the review of port tariffs are part of this initiative. Concerns regarding high taxes and operational challenges were also discussed by industry representatives, underlining the need for efficiency and a favorable business environment.
Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, the Acting Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has reiterated the Authority’s dedication to lowering business costs at Ghana’s ports. This initiative aims to improve competitiveness and attract increased trade. Recently, the government has intervened by abolishing certain levies that have burdened importers and exporters, as mentioned during a visit by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana.
In addition to these changes, Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono indicated that the GPHA is currently reviewing port tariffs to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. He acknowledged feedback from transit traders in Burkina Faso and other Sahelian nations regarding high taxes deterring their use of Ghana’s ports compared to more cost-effective options in Abidjan and Lomé, which benefit from lower tariffs.
“Our colleagues engaged in transit trade have expressed dissatisfaction with some of these levies, arguing that they make Ghana’s ports less competitive,” stated Brigadier-General Tanye-Kulono. He pointed out that the language barrier—where Ghana operates in English, in contrast to French in neighboring countries—compounds these issues. However, he expressed optimism about forthcoming adjustments concerning these taxes.
Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, has called on GPHA to address other concerns, including high demurrage charges and the problem of truck overloading in port areas. He highlighted that enforcing standard loading limits is crucial to preventing road deterioration and creating a sustainable, business-friendly environment that would attract more business from landlocked neighboring countries.
Awingobit emphasized the importance of streamlining port operations and reducing costs as strategies that would not only benefit local businesses but also reinforce Ghana’s status as a leading trade hub in the region.
In conclusion, the efforts by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to reduce business costs at Ghana’s ports are pivotal for enhancing competitiveness and attracting trade. The ongoing review of port tariffs and government interventions to abolish specific levies are vital steps. Addressing concerns raised by transit traders and ensuring a sustainable operational environment is essential for positioning Ghana favorably in the regional trade landscape.
Original Source: citinewsroom.com
