Accra: Mr Samson Ahi, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has called for stronger private sector support through concrete and actionable commitments to accelerate Ghana's transformation into an export-led economy. He made the call when policymakers, financiers, development partners, export credit agencies, and private sector representatives convened at an international conference organised by the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) to mark its 10th anniversary in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ahi emphasized the need for concrete and actionable commitments to tackle persistent barriers that prevent Ghanaian businesses from competing effectively on the global stage. He highlighted that successful Ghanaian businesses lead to increased incomes, stronger production, and improved economic confidence, while struggling businesses negatively impact the economy through reduced output, rising prices, and declining investor sentiment.
Mr Ahi urged participants not to leave the conference with just speeches and photographs but with clear recommendations to guide Ghana's export economy, focusing on actionable, time-bound commitments supported by appropriate partnerships. He underscored the importance of providing access to suitable trade and export finance structures for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), reducing compliance costs related to international trade standards, and improving the efficiency of getting Ghanaian goods to export markets.
On financing, Mr Ahi encouraged stakeholders to explore digital tools to enhance export finance, improve risk assessment, and consider blended finance and patient capital to unlock larger investments. He also highlighted the need for effective collateral and risk-sharing mechanisms to increase MSMEs' access to financial support.
He stressed the importance of treating trade and industry as interconnected policy areas, emphasizing that weaknesses in one area could undermine the entire system. Mr Ahi mentioned intensified engagement with key stakeholders across the trade and industry landscape to better understand and address on-ground challenges.
He also pointed to the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and product exhibitions at the conference as crucial steps towards translating ideas into firm commitments and showcasing Ghanaian products. He urged participants to collaborate to ensure tangible outcomes that would deepen export-led growth, create jobs, raise incomes, and enhance economic resilience.
Mr Ahi noted that the discussions in priority value chains, including garments, rice, and oil, are not merely academic but reflect the real constraints and opportunities that will determine whether Ghana can build stronger value-added exports. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to working closely with partner institutions and industry players to strengthen Ghana's export economy and drive industrial transformation over the next decade.