Cross-border traders call for enhanced trade information desks

Small-scale cross-border traders (SSCBTs) are advocating the establishment of efficient Trade Information Desks (TIDs) at border points to enhance Ghana's competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

The call, backed by an assessment of TIDs at selected borders in Ghana, revealed that only a few information desks exist in some of the agencies providing information to SSCBTs on cross-border trade; therefore, the establishment of TIDs is critical to facilitate and improve cross-border trade.

The traders trust that when fully operational, these desks will provide more comprehensive services that will simplify trade processes, improve compliance and promote Ghana’s active participation in regional trade for economic growth and integration.

The assessment of existing TIDs at border posts in Aflao, Elubo and Paga carried out by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ghana, forms part of a broader initiative implemented last year on the theme: “Building Resilience of Women & Youth-Led MSMEs through AfCFTA for Green & Inclusive Recovery & Growth.”

The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of SSCBTs, ensuring they benefit fully from the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.
 

Key findings

At a workshop to share the results of the assessment and engage stakeholders to formulate policies that will enhance the operations of small-scale cross-border traders at Ghana's borders in Accra last Tuesday, the Head of Research at GEPA, Dr Martin Akogti, explained that the absence of streamlined information services often led to complicated customs procedures, high transaction costs, and long processing times at the borders.

"An efficient and accessible TID would have a significant positive impact on the trade environment. Respondents believe that it would improve trade efficiency, reduce delays, enhance transparency, and build trust among traders and border authorities," he added.

 
Support for SMEs

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEPA, Francis Kwarteng Arthur, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Ghanaian exporters, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He highlighted the crucial role of cross-border trade in economic development and its contribution to job creation, poverty reduction and regional integration. 

Despite this potential, Mr Kwarteng explained that small-scale traders, particularly women, often faced numerous challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles, insufficient infrastructure, limited access to finance, complicated customs procedures and inadequate information on trade regulations which impeded their ability to compete effectively in the global market.

As part of GEPA’s efforts to enhance cross-border trade, he emphasised the importance of government policies designed to streamline the process, mentioning the upcoming 24-hour Economy initiative and the Accelerated Export Development Programme, both of which are expected to boost export activities.