Importers, Exporters Call for One-Month Cap on Product Registration

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana is calling for a major overhaul of Ghana’s product registration and certification process, insisting that exporters should complete all regulatory requirements within one month.

The Association’s Executive Secretary, Sampson Asaki Awingobit, said the current system, which requires businesses to visit several government institutions, risks preventing Ghanaian companies from fully benefiting from China’s decision to grant Ghana 100% market access.

Speaking on the sidelines of a High-Level Ghana-China Zero Tariff Policy Roundtable, he urged government to establish a single digital platform through which exporters can submit applications and have the relevant agencies process approvals simultaneously.

He explained that depending on the product, exporters may need clearance from institutions such as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority and the Plant Quarantine Division.

According to him, a unified system would eliminate the need for businesses to move from one office to another and allow all relevant agencies to process certificates, permits and approvals concurrently.

Awingobit cited Nigeria’s system as an example, where exporters can submit a single application and access the required regulatory services through one platform.

He stressed that Ghana must urgently remove such bureaucratic obstacles if local businesses are to take advantage of the huge opportunities presented by the Chinese market.

While acknowledging the size and potential of the Chinese market, he noted that registration, certification and approval delays, coupled with difficulties in accessing finance, continue to discourage businesses from pursuing export opportunities.

He also called on banks to develop financing models tailored to export-oriented businesses, particularly those owned by young entrepreneurs. He suggested greater collaboration among banks, exporters and overseas buyers to reduce the risks associated with financing new export ventures.

Awingobit further urged government to introduce targeted incentives to encourage more young people to enter the export sector and help Ghana diversify its exports beyond traditional commodities.

He said taking full advantage of China’s market access could help expand Ghana’s non-traditional exports and increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings.