Accra: Fidelity Bank Ghana has called for harmonised customs systems across West Africa to facilitate cross-border trade and reduce business costs. The bank highlighted that fragmented customs procedures and poor-quality data are hindering trade growth and limiting the competitiveness of businesses, especially small-scale traders and women-owned enterprises.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Aaron Ameyaw, Director of Banking Operations at Fidelity Bank, made this appeal at the Breaking Barriers to Trade Conference in Accra, where he spoke on the theme: 'Reimagining Trade, Influence and Institutional Legacy.' Mr Ameyaw emphasized that despite regional integration efforts, traders still face significant challenges when moving goods across borders due to varying customs procedures and regulatory requirements.
Mr Ameyaw pointed out that women traders importing goods from neighboring countries like Togo and Nigeria are particularly affected by complex administrative processes, which increase their operational costs and slow down commercial activities. He called for collaboration among governments, regulators, and private sector stakeholders to develop harmonised customs frameworks to support seamless regional trade.
Mr Ameyaw noted that harmonising customs regimes remains a long-standing issue requiring urgent attention to enable businesses to fully benefit from regional commerce. He also mentioned that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in trade could transform business operations, but its success depends on the availability of accurate and reliable data. He expressed concerns over data quality in Ghana, stating that AI relies heavily on correct data to function effectively.
Welcoming the introduction of the Publican AI System in early 2026, Mr Ameyaw said it complements Ghana's Integrated Customs Management System at the ports, contributing to revenue growth of more than US$300 million. This demonstrates the potential of technology in improving trade facilitation and revenue mobilisation. He stressed the importance of getting the fundamentals right with AI to create opportunities.
Additionally, Mr Ameyaw shared that Fidelity Bank has deployed robotic process automation in its reconciliation operations, improving efficiency and allowing staff to focus on higher-value activities.
The conference also addressed measures to promote inclusive enterprise development, especially for women-owned businesses. Mr Alex Agyei-Amponsah, Director of SME Banking at Fidelity Bank, noted that women-owned enterprises represent 38 to 46 percent of businesses in the region but continue to face structural growth constraints. He highlighted the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs who must balance business expansion with family responsibilities.
Mr Agyei-Amponsah elaborated on the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Fund, which supports women and youth entrepreneurs through financing, business incubation, and capacity-building programmes. The programme targets entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40, with women eligible up to age 45, helping them develop market-ready businesses and meet regulatory and compliance requirements for accessing local and international markets.
He also mentioned group lending as another intervention enabling entrepreneurs to access business opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach. He cited a member of the Federation of Associations of Ghana Exporters who participated in a yam export contract to Canada through group financing, gaining export experience and building capacity for future opportunities.
Mr Agyei-Amponsah emphasized that these interventions are part of Fidelity Bank's efforts to support inclusive economic growth and expand access to trade opportunities.