The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has called on the Finance Minister to use the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to introduce measures that will reduce import duties and provide financial assistance to local manufacturers under the government’s 24-hour economy programme.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News ahead of the budget presentation on Thursday, GUTA President Clement Boateng said traders are expecting the government to fulfil its campaign pledge to review and simplify the import duty structure at Ghana’s ports.
Mr Boateng recalled that prior to the 2024 general elections, then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama was presented with a sample bill of entry highlighting the numerous taxes and levies imposed on importers.
According to him, Mr Mahama acknowledged the challenges facing importers at the time and promised to rationalise the country’s import duty regime if elected.
While reiterating the need for lower import duties, GUTA recognised that the government must continue to generate revenue to finance national development.
Mr Boateng noted that the introduction of the Publican AI customs valuation system in March has significantly improved revenue collection, estimating that the government has generated about US$300 million through the system.
He argued that the increase in revenue provides an opportunity for the government to review and reduce import duties to ease the burden on businesses.
Beyond import duty reforms, the GUTA President also called for greater clarity on the implementation of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, particularly the role expected of traders and manufacturers.
He said the association is eager to participate in the initiative by expanding into manufacturing and contributing to job creation across the country.
According to Mr Boateng, GUTA has already submitted proposals to the Secretariat overseeing the 24-hour economy programme and is seeking financial support from the government to help traders establish manufacturing businesses.
“We expect some government support so that we can enter into the area of manufacturing in order to create more jobs for our members,” he said.
Responding to questions about the type of assistance required, Mr Boateng emphasised that access to funding would be crucial, explaining that traders cannot undertake such investments without financial backing.
The Finance Minister is expected to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review later today, outlining Ghana’s economic performance and announcing policy measures for the remainder of the fiscal year
