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By Edward Graham Sebbie
Ghana and Niger have rekindled trade cooperation through the renewal of a memorandum of understanding held in Accra over last week.
Renewal of the longstanding MoU became necessary following the expiration of the existing one aimed at deepening trade between the two West African states.
As a landlocked country, Niger has a longstanding trade links with Ghana where majority of its imported goods pass through Ghana’s Sea ports.
Issues of concern that underpinned renewal of MoU were VAT on transit goods, robbery activities on the roads, extortion security personnel and other non-tarrif barriers that turn to hinder cargo movement from Ghana to Niger and vice versa. The current happenings unfortunately endanger the sustainability of trade between Ghana and its landlocked neighbours, some of whom are threatening to relocate businesses to other countries if not resolved.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, addressing the media at the event acknowledged the concern raised and promised to work on those that fall within the remit of the council forthwith, while swiftly table others before the Finance Ministry for quick redress. “We at the Ghana Shippers Authority will as soon as possible tackle the challenges that fall within our purview and present others, particularly the issue of VAT on transit goods to the Finance Minister for resolution” he retorted.
This, according to him is being done to ensure that Ghana’s ports remain the preferred business destinations for the landlocked neighbours to help generate the necessary revenues for the nation. “The aim is to ensure that impediments that confront smooth trade between Ghana and our landlocked West African countries are eliminated to avoid the relocation of businesses to other countries thereby depriving Ghana the needed revenue”.
On the issue of axle weight for which reason haulage drivers had embarked on demonstration in the recent past, the Ghana Shippers Authority CEO explained that every country has its law regarding axle weight and implored the drivers to comply with such laws in the respective countries. He however assured of education for haulage drivers to better understand the issues.
The Director of the Niger Shippers Council Ibrahim Sule, on his part expressed gratitude for the support from the Ghana Shippers Authority over the years and hoped that the renewal of the MoU marked a new era of enhanced cooperation between the two countries. “This signing symbolises Ghana Shippers Authority’s continues to Niger over the years and we are happy for this day”. He emphasised.
Mr. Sule, therefore looked forward to more Nigerian cargoes coming through Ghana’s Sea ports in the years aged. “As we strengthen this ties today, it is my hope that trade between the two countries will increase considerably, and so i wish for our neighbours Burkina Faso and Mali: he concluded.
