Peter Mac Manu with officials from both countries at the meeting
The Ghana Port and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce have pledged to work towards creating business-friendly environment to improve trade between the two countries.
According to them, eliminating bottlenecks associated with trade and reviewing some (trade) policies would encourage local investors to expand their businesses to increase foreign earnings.
These came to light when GPHA and its allied agencies embarked on a week-long trade mission to Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.
The mission, which was organized by GPHA, formed part of efforts by the Acting Director General of GPHA, Paul Asare Ansah, to improve the transit business and make Ghana a hub in the sub-region.
The delegation, which was led by the Board Chairman of GPHA, Peter Mac Manu, comprised the Acting Director General of GPHA, Paul Asare Ansah; Commissioner of Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Isaac Crentsil; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Benonita Bismarck; Director of Tema Port, Edward Osei; General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Affairs of GPHA, Esther Gyebi-Donkor; Commander of Marine and Railways Police at the Tema Port, Superintendent Joseph Antwi Ababio; managers of GPHA; terminal operators as well as service providers.
Addressing the gathering, officials of Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce appealed to Ghana to review the newly introduced system to check diversion of cargo by customs.
Under the new system, all transit cargoes are expected to leave Ghana’s corridor within seven days or their owners would be made to pay GH¢1,000 each day as penalty.
They were of the view that considering the distance between Ghana and Burkina Faso, the days were limited.
According to them, Ghana Customs should integrate its network with that of Burkina Faso, eliminate repetitive customs procedures at Ghana’s borders and make them less complicated.
The Burkina Faso business community also called on Ghana to consider removing the $200 tax on transit goods, saying that it increases the cost of doing business in Ghana.
The Commissioner of Ghana Customs, Isaac Crentsil, assured the Burkinabes that steps were being taken to scrap the payment of 10,000 CFA to ‘Goro’ boys who mediate among traders, transporters and customs.
He said that customs would collaborate with its counterparts in Burkina Faso to ensure effective integration to ensure business-friendly environment.
Touching on some requests made by the Burkinabe Government, the Commissioner of Customs promised to consider them to improve trade between the two countries.
On his part, the Director-General of GPHA, who was the trade representative of the Authority in Burkina Faso for several years, said he was passionate about deepening business ties between Ghana and Sahelian countries, particularly Burkina Faso.
He pointed out that his outfit would collaborate with all institutions to help businesses to flourish and improve the country’s economy.
Mr Peter Mac Manu outlined measures the government of Ghana was taking to attract investors into the country.
According to him, “We want to do everything possible for our great friendship to improve, that is why we have come in our numbers to listen to you and as much as possible, eliminate all bottlenecks that hinder trade between us.”
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Benonita Bismarck, commended GPHA for the initiative to promote trade between Ghana and its landlocked countries.
Members of the delegation visited major importers and exporters in Burkina Faso, like Grand Moullins/Rimonhajjar Enterprises, importers of bulk flour; SITAP, the leading importer of steel and coils in Burkina Faso and Kanis Commodities, owners of CIMFASO, a cement producing company and lead importer of rice and clinker in that country.
They also held a forum for the business community in that country and met officials of the Ministries of Transport and Commerce, Burkina Chamber of Commerce, Burkina Shippers’ Council as well as Ghana’s Embassy in Burkina Faso.
By Vincent Kubi