Accra, Ghana — The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has renewed its call for bold, comprehensive trade reforms following the government’s decision to remove the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, describing the move as a positive first step, but not a complete solution to the challenges facing Ghana’s trade sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, the Executive Secretary of IEAG, Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, noted that while the removal of the levy has brought some relief to businesses, importers and exporters continue to grapple with structural, regulatory, and cost-related constraints that undermine Ghana’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.
“The removal of the COVID-19 levy is welcomed and appreciated. However, the real work begins now. Trade reforms must go beyond one levy; they must address the entire ecosystem that governs imports and exports in Ghana,” Mr. Awingobit stated.
Relief, But Not Yet Recovery
IEAG explained that the COVID-19 levy, introduced during a global emergency, added significant pressure to businesses already dealing with high operational costs, currency instability, and international supply-chain disruptions. Its removal, therefore, provides temporary breathing space, but does not fully resolve the deeper challenges within the trade environment.
According to the Association, importers and exporters still face:
Multiple overlapping levies and charges at the ports
High cost of clearance and logistics
Policy inconsistencies and sudden regulatory changes
Delays in cargo processing and documentation
Limited incentives for non-traditional exports
These challenges, IEAG argues, continue to erode business confidence and restrict trade expansion.
Call for Holistic Trade Reforms
IEAG is calling on government and relevant institutions to use this moment as a turning point to reset Ghana’s trade policy framework. Key reform areas proposed by the Association include:
Rationalisation of Trade Levies: A comprehensive review of all import- and export-related levies to eliminate duplications and reduce unnecessary cost burdens.
Predictable Trade Policies: Ensuring that new taxes or policy changes are introduced through stakeholder consultation and adequate notice.
Port and Customs Reforms: Streamlining clearance procedures to reduce delays, human interference, and cost leakages.
Export-Led Growth Support: Introducing stronger incentives for exporters, particularly SMEs and non-traditional exporters.
Private Sector Engagement: Institutionalising continuous dialogue between government agencies and trade associations.
“Trade is the engine of Ghana’s economy. If we want growth, jobs, and foreign exchange stability, then the environment in which traders operate must be efficient, transparent, and supportive,” Mr. Awingobit emphasized.
Protecting Jobs and National Revenue
IEAG stressed that trade reforms are not about reducing government revenue, but rather about expanding the tax base through growth. When businesses thrive, compliance improves, exports increase, and the state ultimately benefits from higher and more sustainable revenue inflows.
The Association warned that failure to implement meaningful reforms could result in reduced import volumes, weakened exports, job losses, and increased smuggling activities.
Commitment to Partnership
IEAG reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with:
The Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Ghana Revenue Authority
Customs Division
Port authorities and trade-facilitating agencies
to design policies that balance revenue generation with economic growth.
“We are not adversaries of government. We are partners in national development. Our call is simple: let trade work for Ghana,” the statement concluded.
About IEAG
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) is the leading voice of Ghana’s international trade community. The Association advocates for fair trade policies, supports members through engagement and capacity building, and works to promote a competitive, transparent, and sustainable trade environment.
