The Ghanaian Diaspora Union in Europe (2GDUE) has urged all presidential candidates to clarify their commitments regarding the reduction of charges at the country’s ports to lower the cost of doing business. The Union emphasized that it would monitor and hold accountable any party or individual regarding these promises come January 2025.
Flagbearers of the two major political parties—the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—have both pledged to reform port fees in order to alleviate the financial strain on importers and improve business operations. Former President John Mahama, representing the NDC, has promised to rationalize port fees and eliminate unnecessary charges impacting importers, as well as to end illegal and excessive shipping fees. In contrast, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer, has committed to harmonizing port charges to be in line with those of regional ports, particularly in Lome-Togo.
At a news conference in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Ibrahim Isshak, President of the GDUE, expressed concern that these promises were overly vague and lacked detail. He highlighted the burdensome import duties and taxes at the nation’s ports, stating that the high fees are crippling numerous businesses and driving many members out of operation. “These measures, instead of fostering growth, are stifling trade and entrepreneurship among the diaspora community, who seek to contribute to Ghana’s economy,” he explained.
Isshak urged the presidential candidates to provide specific plans for reducing port charges, advocating for a 50 percent reduction in import duties. He also called for the elimination of what he termed “nuisance taxes,” including processing fees, network charges, VAT on network charges, Ghana Shippers Authority SNF Fee, GHS Disinfection Fee, Special Import Levy, Import Levy, Ghana Export-Import Bank Levy, Network Charge GETFund Levy, Inspection Fee, and the Covid-19 Recovery Levy, in order to lessen the financial burden on members of the diaspora.
Additionally, he requested clarification from the candidates regarding specific programs and opportunities aimed at advancing the interests of the diaspora. With an estimated three million Ghanaians residing abroad, Isshak emphasized their critical role in the nation’s economic development, noting that remittances from the diaspora support over 600,000 families in Ghana, enhancing access to education, healthcare, and overall well-being.
According to the Bank of Ghana, remittance inflows in 2023 reached US$4.8 billion, surpassing the total value of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) combined. Isshak stated that these funds not only help reduce poverty but also strengthen the nation’s foreign currency reserves, mitigate external debt, and stabilize the balance of payments.
“As a diaspora community with significant influence and investment potential, we are eager to contribute more actively to Ghana’s growth,” he affirmed. “We want to know how you (presidential candidates) plan to support Ghanaian diaspora business people and ensure that our contributions are recognized and valued.”
Established in 2018, the GDUE aims to unite Ghanaians living abroad while fostering cultural pride, economic empowerment, and social cohesion. The Union boasts a membership of 5,800, which includes Ghanaian businesspeople from across the globe, including America, Asia, and the Caribbean.
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