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Trade

Sachet Water Price Hike Suspended as Government Schedules Talks with GPMA & NASPAWAP for April 8

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The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has suspended the planned sachet water price increase following engagement with the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP). In a statement released on Monday ,April 6,2026, the Ministry commended GPMA and NASPAWAP for their cooperation and agreement to the suspension despite the planned increment earlier. This development comes after NASPAWAP announced a planned increase of sachet water prices, effective Monday, April 6, 2026. The Ministry the announced that it is scheduled to meet with GPMA and NASPAWAP on April 8 to address key challenges facing the sector and sustainable ways to address them. This Ministry expressed its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring market stability.      

Trade

Ghana and Colombia Sign Historic Maritime Agreement to Link Port of Tema to Port of Cartagena

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Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the signing of a historic agreement between Ghana and Colombia to establish a direct maritime link between the Port of Tema and the Port of Cartagena. In a post on X, the Minister revealed that the landmark deal was signed in Bogotá, Colombia, following successful negotiations between both countries. He added that the agreement seeks to create direct maritime trade connectivity between the two nations and is expected to serve as a significant catalyst for trade between Africa and Latin America. The Foreign Affairs Minister further noted that it is most inspiring to witness how the Atlantic Ocean corridor linking the two countries, a passage that once embodied the horror of slavery and served as a mass grave for countless souls is now being deliberately transformed into a voyage of opportunity, job creation, and economic empowerment. He then extended his commendation to Colombia’s first Vice President of African descent , Her Excellency Francia Elena Márquez Mina and Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, for their commitment to driving the initiative forward.

Trade

President Mahama Signs MOU with South Korean Government

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President John Dramani Mahama has signed three different Memoranda of Understandings(MOUs) with the South Korean government as part of efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the 2 countries. The MOUs which was signed during his visit to South Korea will focus on maritime security, climate change cooperation, and digital technology. In his bilateral talks with the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung,President Mahama highlighted on the common values that have sustained the relationship between the two countries . He also underscored the need to expand cooperation in agriculture and agribusiness, particularly through initiatives supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, aimed at boosting rice production and enhancing Ghana’s food security. He further highlighted opportunities for stronger economic partnership through the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose Secretariat is hosted in Accra, positioning Ghana as a strategic hub for production and exports to the wider African market. President Mahama expressed optimism that Ghana’s natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological innovation, will continue to drive a mutually beneficial partnership for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

Trade

IEAG Welcomes Decision by Government to ban Land Transit of Some Selected Goods

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The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG)has welcomed the directive by the government to place a ban on the land transit of some selected goods through Ghana’s borders . In a statement released on Tuesday, April 10, 2026, the association welcomed the idea of redirecting the import of some of these goods including, cooking oil, rice, sugar, frozen products, textiles, flour, canned tomatoes, pasta/spaghetti, and pharmaceutical products through the country’s seaports. IEAG stated that the decision by government is long overdue explaining that it not only prevents revenue leakage but also creates an avenue for fair competition for compliant businesses that go through the legitimate importation process via the seaports.The association futher added that the routing of theseselected commodities through Ghana’s seaports will significantly enhance transparency and accountability in the customs clearance process citing the robust verification systems at the seaports. IEAG futher added that the recentralization the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB) is laudable adding that it will improve data coordination, reduce inconsistencies in cargo valuation, and strengthen the ability of customs authorities to detect irregularities. The association however expressed its concerns over the sustainability and consistent enforcement of these measures urging government to strengthen its enforcement. IEAG also called on government to strengthen border security and monitoring mechanisms particularly de deploying military personnel to support and supervise border operations in order to prevent prevent the smuggling of the affected goods through unapproved routes. The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana reiterated its commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at strengthening trade governance, protecting national revenue, and promoting a fair and transparent trading environment.  

Trade

Finance Minister Directs Ban on Land Transit of Selected Goods to Protect Revenue

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The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has directed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to immediately implement a series of measures aimed at strengthening border controls and protecting government revenue. The directive follows a meeting between the finance minister, the Acting Commissioner of Customs, Aaron Akanor, and the management of the Customs Division of the GRA to review recent developments at Ghana’s borders. Following the discussions, the minister ordered an immediate ban on the land transit of selected goods, instructing that the affected products must be routed exclusively through Ghana’s seaports and will no longer be permitted to enter or transit through the country via land borders. The products affected by the directive include: 1. Cooking oil 2. Rice 3. Sugar 4. Frozen products 5. Textiles 6. Flour 7. Canned tomatoes 8. Pasta/Spaghetti 9. Pharmaceutical products According to the minister, the decision forms part of efforts to tighten border controls and address recurring revenue leakages associated with the transit of these goods through land borders. In addition, Dr. Forson directed the recentralisation of the Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB) to establish a one-stop shop for valuation and improve intelligence sharing within the Customs Division. The move will also enhance the use of data and insights generated through the Publican AI system, strengthening Customs’ ability to detect irregularities and improve compliance. Dr. Forson emphasised that the measures are intended to strengthen enforcement at Ghana’s borders, close revenue leakages, and safeguard government revenue. He therefore instructed all relevant departments and units within the Customs Division of the GRA to ensure strict compliance with the new directives with immediate effect.    

Trade, Transportation

DVLA Reviews Overseas Service Plan Following Public Feedback

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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a review of its plan to extend selected services to Ghanaians living abroad, following strong reactions from the public. The statement comes hours after the Authority’s earlier announcement to provide certain services to citizens overseas, a move that sparked debate on social media and in traditional news outlets. Many Ghanaians questioned how the expansion would work and whether it could affect accessibility for residents within the country. In response to the public outcry, the DVLA stated that it is reviewing its earlier decision. “We appreciate the feedback and the concerns expressed by members of the public. In view of these sentiments, Management is reviewing the proposed approach and exploring alternative options to ensure that our services remain accessible to all Ghanaians, including those residing outside the country,” the statement said. Management further emphasized the Authority’s commitment to the collective interest of Ghanaians, adding that it is working diligently to enhance service delivery.

Executive Secretary of IEAG, Samson Asaki Awingobit
Trade

IEAG Expresses Displeasure Over Exclusion from Presidential Dialogue

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The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has expressed its displeasure at the Presidency following its exclusion from the Presidential Dialogue with the private sector convened by John Dramani Mahama — marking the second consecutive year the association has been left out. In a statement released on February 25, 2026, the association described its omission as “deeply concerning,” noting that it fully aligns with the government’s objectives to strengthen the private sector, yet was still excluded from what it called a critical forum for private-sector stakeholders. The statement further questioned whether the repeated exclusion could truly be dismissed as an oversight, highlighting the recurrence of the situation. While IEAG said it does not wish to speculate, it expressed hope that the omission was not a reaction to the association’s recent principled positions or constructive opposition to certain government policies. Speaking on the matter, Executive Secretary of IEAG, Samson Asaki Awingobit, reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting government initiatives and its expectation for clearer engagement from the Presidency. “Our doors are open. We will continue to support government for government policies. We are also hoping and expecting to hear from the Presidency,” Mr. Awingobit said. The comments come in the wake of the recent Presidential Dialogue with the private sector, which aims to improve private sector participation, enhance trade, and strengthen collaboration between government and industry players.

Trade

Aaron Kanor Appointed Acting Commissioner of Customs Division of GRA

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President Mahama has appointed Mr. Aaron Kanor as Acting Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), effective immediately. In a statement released on, 23 February 2026 by the GRA, the authority stated that his appointment forms part of government’s efforts to strengthening customs administration, improving compliance, and supporting Ghana’s economic growth through efficient and secure trade systems. Mr. Kanor who prior to his appointment served as Officer in Charge of Port Operations brings on board three decades of experience in revenue mobilization, border security, and trade facilitation. He has also held key positions including Sector Commander at Kotoka International Airport and Wa Collections, and Chief Revenue Officer in multiple operational areas. During his career, Mr. Kanor has also spearheaded intelligence-led operations against smuggling and fraudulent trade practices, contributed to modernization initiatives like electronic valuation systems, and enhanced operational efficiency at the Customs Division. The GRA expressed gratitude to outgoing Commissioner Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan for his leadership and congratulated Mr. Kanor on his appointment, highlighting the new leadership’s role in strengthening customs administration and supporting Ghana’s economic growth.

Trade

Finance Ministry Prohibits Land Transit of Cooking Oil

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The Ministry of Finance has prohibited the land transit of cooking oil following the Ghana Revenue Authority’s interception of eighteen articulated trucks suspected to be involved in a transit diversion scheme. In a statement released by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry after the Finance Minister,Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s, visit to the border posts on 20 February 2026, it was established that the trucks were moving without the mandatory Customs Human Escorts required for such consignments. The statement also added that twelve of the eighteen trucks which had been declared as goods in transit to Niger were impounded, with eleven currently secured at the Tema Transit Yard for detailed inspection and further legal processing. One truck reportedly overturned while attempting to evade interception, spilling its cargo, while the remaining trucks are being pursued by authorities. Initial suspended duties and taxes were estimated at about GHS 2.6 million, but post-interception examinations revised the potential revenue exposure to more than GHS 85 million, highlighting what officials described as systemic control weaknesses and possible human complicity. Following the incident, the Ministry directed the GRA to undertake comprehensive investigations, with disciplinary action expected against any Customs officers found culpable. Criminal investigations will also extend to importers and clearing agents where evidence supports prosecution. As an immediate policy response, government announced that all land transit of cooking oil through Ghana is prohibited and that such consignments must be routed exclusively through the country’s seaports. Authorities also indicated that monitoring and tracking of transactions originating from land collection points will be intensified to safeguard state revenue. The Ministry also added that impounded goods will be auctioned in accordance with applicable laws. The Ministry reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting local industry and jobs while ensuring that Ghana’s customs regime is not exploited to undermine domestic revenue mobilisation and national development.  

Africa, Trade

Government Initiates UNCLOS Arbitration to Resolve Ghana–Togo Maritime Boundary Dispute

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The Government of Ghana has officially informed the Government of Togo of its decision to settle issue regarding the maritime boundary between the two countries by an independent international panel (arbitration) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In a statement released and signed by the President’s Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on the 20th of February 2025, he stated that this move follows unsuccessful attempts by the two Governments at negotiating a boundary over the past eight years . “This follows attempts at negotiating a boundary which have gone on for the past eight years but have not resulted in an agreed outcome.” Government explained that this move was necessary in order to maintain the good relations between the two countries by ensuring an amicable resolution  to the issue and winding down growing tensions between some institutions in the two countries. “Ghana has taken this step in order to avoid an escalation of incidents that have created tensions between some of our institutions and to promote an amicable resolution, thereby contributing to the continued good relations between our two countries.”