President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davis Korboe, has urged the government to take decisive steps in strengthening Ghana’s export sector.
Speaking at an interaction with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House, Korboe emphasized the need for practical implementation of policies that will enhance trade and economic growth.
Korboe highlighted FAGE’s historical role in shaping Ghana’s export landscape, noting that the association previously had representation on the boards of the Export Development and Agriculture Investment Fund (EDIF)which later transitioned into Exim Bank as well as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).
He called for the reinstatement of FAGE’s representation on these boards, citing the federation’s three decades of experience in supporting the private sector.
“Africa represents the single greatest opportunity for expanding agricultural exports, with a market of 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of 3.4 trillion dollars. However, we must move beyond celebratory rhetoric to practical implementation.”
He urged the government to accelerate efforts in eliminating non-tariff barriers, such as frustrating customs procedures at border points and harmonizing standards, which often hinder trade.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for strategic investments in logistics infrastructure, including intra-Africa highways, reliable shipping lines, and seamless payment systems, to facilitate intra-African trade.
Korboe acknowledged the Bank of Ghana’s work on digital payments infrastructure (DPI) projects, aimed at enabling seamless transactions across Africa.
He called on President Mahama to provide additional support to ensure the success of these initiatives.
Expressing FAGE’s full support for the 24-hour economy policy, Korboe affirmed the federation’s readiness to collaborate with government agencies and private sector institutions to develop interventions that would maximize benefits for the horticultural sector.
