Measures underway to ease clearance of goods

Accra, Sept. 26, GNA - The Government is working on measures to minimise the frustrating bureaucracy and cumbersome procedures that delay the clearance of goods at the Ports and increase the cost of doing business, Vice President Aliu Mahama said on Friday.

He said a stakeholders meeting was recently held to brainstorm on the problem, which also impedes the progress of businesses and frustrates investors and visitors to Ghana.

The Vice President Mahama, who was responding to an appeal by Osagyefo Osadeeyo Agyeman-Badu II, Omanhene of Dormaa Traditional Area, when he called on him at the Castle, Osu, said the situation was unacceptable to the government.

The Dormaahene, who returned recently from an investment-seeking tour in America and Canada, had said his interaction with many Ghanaians during his trip revealed that the situation at the Ports discouraged them from investing in Ghana.

Vice President Mahama said the government welcomed the initiative by chiefs to seek investments to Ghana as it considered them partners in development.

"We are encouraged by your efforts because we believe that we have a shared responsibility to move our country forward," he said. "As leaders of the people, we believe they will accept your messages to them too."

Vice President Mahama said such investment trips would also give the chiefs the requisite exposure and position them well to negotiate with investors, who might like to do business in their areas. He reiterated his appeal to chiefs to readily release lands to investors to develop their areas.

Osagyefo Agyeman-Badu described his eight-week tour, during which he inaugurated development associations, held discussions with mayors, ambassadors and government officials, as very successful.

He said his focus for the trip was not to seek the interest of Dormaaman but that of the entire nation, as it was important for Ghanaians to work in concert to turn the nation into a prosperous haven. "In Atlanta, Georgia and in Denver, Colorado, the people expressed interest in establishing joint programmes with our educational institutions to improve education," he said, adding: "Achieving success in education will open the opportunities in other areas for development".

There was also a great deal of interest in agriculture and health with some promising to donate some hospital equipment to some health institutions.

Osagyefo Agyeman-Badu, who undertook a similar tour to Europe some months ago, was accompanied by Barima Yeboah Kodie, Aduanahene, Barima Oppong Yaw Ababio, Gyasehene, Nana Twumasi Koduah, Tsafohehe and other members from the Royal Family of Dormaa.