Lack of
information on trade rules and procedures had been identified as one of the key
disincentives of traders using the country’s borders. The Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the Ghana
Shippers Authority, (GSA) Dr Kofi Mbia, who made the observation further
identified lack of critical information on ECOWAS Trade protocols in the form
of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) as one area militating against
the competitiveness and effectiveness of trade across the sub region. In a
release signed and copied to the GBC in Bolgatanga, Dr Mbia underscored the
vital role that trade information plays in facilitating trade and admonished
importers and exporters to make judicious use of the available border
information centres provided to address undue delays and bribery faced by
traders. It moreover implored shippers to be trade complaint whilst calling on
customs and other trade officials to endeavour to streamline their procedures
so as to avoid the said delays and added cost to shippers. The statement
explained that the objective of setting up the border information centres was
to give trade advice through the promotion of trade procedure manuals on custom
administration and road governance. In addition the border information centres
offer ready assistance to shippers and transit shippers by way of information,
which undoubtedly helps in trade facilitation across borders. The Ghana
Shippers Authority is of the fervent hope that with the effective utilisation
of the border information centres, particularly, in Paga and Dakola, trade flow
between Ghana and its neighbouring countries would be greatly enhanced. This will in turn enhance the competitiveness
of Ghanaian importers and exporters as well as transit shippers.
GBC/REL
END
IA/
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