Border crossing issues vital in Free Continental Trade agreement – GNCCI

The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has said there is the need for African governments to thoroughly discuss border crossing issues before the implementation of the Free Continental Trade agreement.

Nana Dr Appiagyei Dankawoso I, President of the Chamber, who made the call, said it is important for businesses on the continent to have a better understanding on issues relating to the crossing of borders to avoid the unfortunate situation which is currently occurring at the Benin-Nigeria border, which is crippling transportation of goods on that corridor.

Addressing journalists in Kumasi, after leading a delegation of the Chamber to tour some businesses in Kumasi, he said, many businesses are losing millions of dollars in investment as a result of the closure of the Nigerian border with Benin.

The tour was to afford members of the Chamber the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the challenges being encountered by some of the affected companies following the closure of the border.

Among the companies visited were Adonko Bitters Ghana Limited, Uni-Jay Company Limited and Asamoah Yamoah Farms.

It was revealed during the tour that Adonko Company Limited was losing about $500,000.00 every week since the closure of the border.

Nana Dankawoso I said as part of measures to ensure a robust free continental trade, he would deliver a paper to highlight on some of these cross-border challenges and how to address them at a conference in Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, at the end of this month.

He said the Chamber is committed to helping address some of these challenges to enhance business growth and development to create more employment and improve the economy of the country.

Nana Dankawoso I said the Chamber is encouraging its members to take advantage of international trade fairs not only to market their products but also attract foreign investments to expand their businesses.