Shippers, traders want hassle-free port operations

Several business groups in have expressed optimism that the year 2017 will be a better one than the year 2016.

Speaking in separate interviews with the GPHA’s Eye on Port on their expectations for the 2017 business year, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) Importers and Exporters Association, Greater Accra Regional Shippers Council (GARSC) and the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG) were all unanimous in their expectations.

High on their agenda was the expectation that taxes would be reduced to make businesses flourish at the ports.

According to them, one item they are really looking forward to be removed is the special import levy because originally it wasn’t supposed to stay for long.

The businesses also say they expect a very efficient port environment devoid of bureaucracy.

The businesses are also of the expectation that the cedi to dollar disparity would be bridged.

Government was challenged to put in place stringent measures to prevent foreigners from taking over the retail business in Ghana.

They also expressed hope that the Ghana national single window will continue to make the clearance of goods at the ports faster in the year 2017.

The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders says it will churn out sandwich courses particularly relating to ICT in order to abreast their members with the use of technology to improve upon their operations.

The executive secretary of the importers and exporters association also charged government to provide a listening year to issues that affect import and export.