Ghana’s NTEs up marginally in 2014

The value of Ghana’s Non-traditional exports (NTEs) increased marginally from $2.436 bn in 2013 to $2.514 bn in 2014. 

This represents an increase of less than one per cent during the period under review. Figures from the sector in 2015 are yet to be released.

The General Manager of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Mr Stephen K. Normeshie, announced this in a speech read on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the authority, Mr James Tiigah, at the opening ceremony of the annual export marketing course for manufacturers, producers, exporters and financial actors in the country in Accra last Monday. 

According to him, over the last nine years, there had been annual average rate of about $777.59 million in 2005 to $2.514 billion in 2014.  

However, in 2009, there was a fall of about -9.38 per cent amounting to $1,215 million due primarily to the global economic downturn, a drop in Ghana’s competitiveness due to increased cost of production and low production volumes experienced within the period.

Inconsistency 

He added that in 2010 and 2011, earnings from the sector went up by 34.1 per cent and 48.74 per cent respectively, amounting to $1.629 billion.

“In 2012, the sector once again experienced a decline in earnings by 2.24 per cent, amounting to $2.364 billion, while in 2013, earnings from the sector went up by $2.436 billion, amounting to 3.05 per cent,” he stressed.

Even though he acknowledged that the sector was doing well, he indicated that the growth was inconsistent, and that called for concerted effort to help to address the challenges.

Mr Normeshie was quick to add that quality and standards were contributory factors to the inconsistency and decline in the growth in the export sector. 

Export marketing course 

The four-day export marketing course is being organised by GEPA for over 30 manufacturers, producers, exporters and financial actors on export marketing fundamentals to build their capacities and enhance their operations.

The workshop is also meant to support the export community to acquire managerial, technical and trade capacity as well as understand the current global export trends to give Ghana a competitive advantage. 

It was organised by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) under the Ghana Export School (GES). 

Beneficiaries are expected to acquire training and skills in packaging and labeling for export, bar code system, costing ad pricing in export, export business planning, implementation and management, export quality management, opportunities in regional trade agreement with ECOWAS and international trade fair and exhibitions.

Standards 

In a remark, the head of handicraft at GEPA, who is also a resource person for the course, Mrs Theodora Froko, called on manufacturers and producers to adhere to standards in their operations.

She advised them to constantly research and collaborate with GEPA for any assistance in order to enhance their operations.

“Globally, consumers’ needs and preferences keep on changing each time. Therefore, as producers, manufacturers and exporters, you must always produce the best of products to meet these changing needs,” she said.