Importers And Exporters Association Marks 11 Years, Launches Website; Renews Call For Fair Port Charges And Forex Access
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has marked its 11th anniversary with the launch of a new website and a renewed call for government action to tackle high port charges and foreign exchange shortages.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo at the event, announced plans to set up a taskforce to ensure shipping lines comply strictly with Bank of Ghana-approved exchange rates, rather than applying arbitrary rates that inflate the cost of doing business at the ports.
Speaking on the theme “11 Years of Trade Advocacy: Digital Transformation for a Competitive Future,” Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit reflected on the Association’s journey, saying it was formed to address the challenges importers and exporters faced without a strong voice.
He urged the government and the Bank of Ghana to ensure commercial banks release forex to facilitate trade.
Guest speaker Prof. Ransford Gyampo, CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, commended the Association for its contribution to the industry.
He announced plans to establish a taskforce to ensure shipping lines apply only the Bank of Ghana’s approved exchange rates and to clamp down on illegal port charges.
Over the past 11 years, the Association’s advocacy has led to the removal of several punitive port levies.
The anniversary will be climaxed with a grand dinner in the coming weeks.
REPORT: AHIABOR AUGUSTINE
