...PROMOTE EXPORT-LED GROWTH FOR GHANA'S ECONOMY
Rahway, NJ - (May 18, 2005) The Ministry of Trade & Industry (MOTI) has implemented new administrative directives governing the export of fresh yam. The directives are designed specifically to reverse the numerous problems confronting the industry such as drug trafficking, massive spoilage, loss of export revenue and financial disputes. These persistent problems have contributed to severe loss of revenue to the yam farmers and exporters, and to the state.
The underlying objective of the new law is to facilitate the proper marketing of Ghana Yams to international food markets and to fully develop the brand name. Leading members of the yam export trade were consulted for suggestions. Some key provisions of the new law that will achieve this objective are:
q Up front payments to yam exporters
q Financial controls regarding method of payment (Letters of Credit or wire transfer)
q Formal inspections and quality control at a "single corridor" exit point
q Packaging guidelines including container seals and bar codes
q Electronic scanning prior to shipment to prevent using fresh yam as a conduit for illicit goods
q Use of air freight for shipment to distant markets, i.e. North America, to minimize spoilage
In early February 2005, the Honourable Minister of Trade, Alan Kyerematen called a general meeting open to all stakeholders (more than 120 farmers, exporters and importers were in attendance). The purpose of the meeting was to provide a forum to present arguments in favour or against full implementation of the new law. Following presentations, a vote was held and the vast majority (90% of those present) voted in favour of the regulations. To allow for a smooth transition, those who preferred to ship via ocean were granted waivers exempting them for three full months before the new regulations become effective for all yam exporters.
"Universal Company, LLC has been importing Ghana yams to the U.S. and Canada for over six years," said Kofi A. Bawuah, President, Universal Company, LLC. "We, along with all other yam importers in North America, have suffered terrible losses due to severe spoilage, at times as high as 70%-80%. It has been most distressing to repeatedly ship healthy yams from Ghana only to throw them in the trash bins of America. Just as disturbing, the excessive spoilage deprives farmers from getting paid and inhibits their farm expansion programs. Instead of a growing, vibrant industry, yam farming risks steady erosion due to lack of resources."
More than just a national food, Ghana Yams are a national treasure, a key natural resource to be fully promoted and developed in international markets. Said Mr. Bawuah, "Successful implementation of the new regulations will benefit Mother Ghana and improve the lives of the yam farmers and exporters. Therefore, on behalf of the yam farmers, the exporters and the importers, Universal Company would like to take this opportunity to applaud MOTI for its efforts to strengthen and improve the yam export sector."