The President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Stephan Abbas Miezan, has raised concerns about challenges facing importers at the country’s ports and harbors.
He specifically cited complaints from Burkinabè importers regarding alleged harassment by Ghanaian security officers.
Speaking during a working visit to the Western Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Miezan commended President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC administration for maintaining economic stability through strong currency management and controlled inflation.
Meanwhile, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson assured the Chamber of the government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the business community.
The visit by the Chamber’s President, Stephan Abbas Miezan, was to deliberate on how the Western Regional Coordinating Council and the Chamber can collaborate to create, sustain, and promote a more robust business environment in the region.
Mr. Miezan noted that while the government is the single largest employer, businesses collectively employ far more people.
It is in this regard, he stated, that the Chamber advocates for more favorable working conditions for the business community.
“The government is the largest single employer, but combined, businesses employ far more people. That is why the Chamber of Commerce is advocating for more favorable working conditions for the business community.
I must also use this opportunity to congratulate the government for the significant work it has done—at least now we know our currency has strengthened and inflation is down, which benefits both the public and businesses.” He said.
To strengthen Ghana’s ports and harbors and attract international users, Mr. Miezan raised concerns about the challenges importers face, citing complaints from importers in Burkina Faso regarding alleged harassment by some Ghanaian security officers.
“Recently, we visited Burkina Faso to encourage their use of the Takoradi port as their major transit port. During discussions, they raised concerns about police harassment when transporting goods through Ghana’s ports, whether Takoradi or Tema.
I would like to bring this to your attention so that, if we succeed in convincing them to use Takoradi, you can use your good offices to work with the Regional Police Command and other security services to prevent such issues.
If they become discouraged, they may seek alternatives, and we would lose potential revenue. It is essential we provide them the confidence to work with us.” He added.
Some chamber members are calling on government for support, particularly regarding the twenty-four-hour economy policy.
Eric David Akwabeng Jnr. is a Council Member and CEO for Dress Up College of Fashion. “We have seen the launch of the 24-hour economy policy, but its operational details and the office we should contact to participate have not been made clear to us.”
Daniel Brainoo, Council member, Chamber of commerce and building contractor added that “The Chamber has various departments encompassing sectors such as construction, clothing, and others.
If your administration could consider our members for relevant job opportunities, it would greatly encourage our community in Sekondi Takoradi and its environs, ultimately benefiting the Chamber as a whole.”
Addressing the Chamber, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the business community.
Mr. Nelson also confirmed that the Port Director is working to improve the operating environment, with the goal of attracting business from neighboring West African countries.
“In response to this, the Director has completed a preliminary assessment and shared the findings with me. The focus now is on the steps needed to implement necessary improvements.
Establishing a more favorable environment is critical to attracting our West African neighbors, particularly the landlocked countries that depend on our port for transit.
This is a matter of high priority, and work to address it is already underway.” He mentioned.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
