Government leaving industry out of key port decisions, Total Logistics CEO claims

The Chief Executive Officer of Total Logistics Ghana, Mr Emmanuel Percy-Brown has accused the government of failing to adequately consult industry players before introducing policies that affect Ghana's ports and logistics sector, warning that the approach could increase costs and undermine trade efficiency.

Speaking in an interview, he said freight forwarders, customs agents and shipping operators are often excluded from policy discussions despite being among the stakeholders most affected by government decisions.

"The government doesn't really come to seek advice," he said.

The comments are likely to reignite debate over stakeholder engagement in Ghana's trade and logistics sector, particularly as authorities pursue reforms aimed at improving port operations and boosting the country's competitiveness as a regional trade hub.

According to Mr. Percey- Brown, industry practitioners possess first-hand knowledge of the challenges confronting importers, exporters and businesses operating at the ports, making their input crucial to effective policymaking.

"We are the people who deal with these challenges every day," he said.

He argued that policies relating to customs procedures, port charges, trade facilitation measures and regulatory reforms often have significant consequences for businesses, yet many of those decisions are taken without sufficient consultation.

Mr. Percey- Brown warned that reforms introduced without adequate engagement can create operational difficulties, increase costs and generate unintended consequences that may not have been identified during the policy design stage.

He said regular dialogue between government agencies and industry operators would help authorities better understand conditions at ports and border entry points while improving the implementation of reforms.

The concerns come at a time when businesses continue to complain about the cost of importing and exporting goods through Ghana's ports.

Industry players have repeatedly called for measures to reduce delays, simplify administrative procedures and improve efficiency across the logistics chain.

The CEO argued that greater collaboration between policymakers and the private sector would create a more predictable business environment and strengthen Ghana's position as a leading trade and logistics destination in West Africa.

He also stressed that consultation should not be viewed as resistance to government policy but as a way of improving decision-making and delivering better outcomes.

"The people working in the industry should be part of the conversation," he said.

With competition among West African ports intensifying, the logistics executive said efficiency, transparency and stakeholder confidence will be critical if Ghana is to attract more trade and investment.

He maintained that the success of future reforms would depend not only on government policy but also on how effectively industry expertise is incorporated into the decision-making process.