Airport Records Drop in Imports And Exports

Imports and exports at the Kotoka International Airport are not reflecting the country's much touted status as the gateway to West Africa. Figures released by African Ground Operation Limited(AFGO), which controls the cargo village at the airport gives an indication that all is not well with the import and export sub sectors .

Even though the import figures of 9,617,024 metric tons in 1995, 12, 564,495 metric tons in 1996, 14, 166, 177 metric tons in 1997, 15, 715, 396 metric tons in 1998, 13, 405,242 metric tons in 1999 and 11, 624, 066 metric tons in 2000 are not all that frightening, it is an open secret that Ghana is an import dominated country, with all kinds of shoddy goods from South East Asia easily finding their way unto our market. The results of an import dominated economy are clear to all. Systematic stifling of local industries, loss of jobs and high demand for foreign currencies among others.

The figures indicate a kind of up and down performance for the export sector. Of particular concern is the non-performance of the export sector, which has been described as an area that could engineer the economy to grow.

In 1995 the import sector enjoyed 19,778,719 metric tons. The figure rose to 25,661,102 metric tons in1996, 26,067,427 metric tons in 1997 and then dropped to 25,301,504 metric tons in 1998. The import figures bounced back to 29,199,021 metric tons in 1999 and peaked at 30,279, 593 metric tons in 2000. And by June this year the figure was 15, 513,233 metric. From all indications, the figure is likely to drop by the end of the year. Over the years the World Bank, the IMF and other multi-lateral agencies made so much noise about the potential of the sector to boost the economy. But what do we see today. Some experts even made Ghanaians to believe that the massive depreciation of the cedi was a good omen for the export sector. The figures given by AFGO are nothing to take pride in, considering the fact countries such as the Ivory Coast, Uganda, and Senegal etc. are doing far better.Mr. Abel Botchway Finance Manager of AFGO explained that the drop in export and import is a reflection of a slow down in the economy, following last year's general elections. Botchway further explained that the new clearing procedures introduced by the Customs Excise and Preventive Services last year could have affected imports in particular. He was however optimistic that the sector could bounce back once the government puts its house in order.

The Managing Director of AFGO, Mr. Koen Neven said at the current low levels of cargo handling the company may take a long time to recoup its investments. At the moment the company handles just 45,000 metric tons per annum. Under normal circumstances, it should be doing 70,000 metric tons to stay in business.