Gov't urged to involve logistics industry in port policy decisions

The Ghanaian government should work more closely with freight forwarders, customs agents and logistics operators when developing policies affecting the country's ports, according to a leading logistics executive, who says limited consultation risks undermining trade efficiency and increasing business costs.

Speaking to Executive Spotlight, the Chief Executive Officer of Total Logistics Ghana, Emmanuel Percy-Brown, said industry professionals were often excluded from decisions despite being responsible for implementing many of the policies introduced at the country's ports.

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

Mr Percy-Brown argued that freight forwarders and logistics operators interact daily with importers, exporters, customs officials and shipping lines, giving them practical knowledge that could help policymakers identify challenges before reforms are introduced.

Calls for greater industry involvement

Ghana's ports at Tema and Takoradi play a central role in the country's economy, handling imports, exports and transit cargo serving both domestic and regional markets.

Policies affecting customs procedures, port charges and trade facilitation have a direct impact on businesses, government revenue and Ghana's competitiveness as a regional logistics hub.

Mr Percy-Brown said those working across the logistics chain should be involved earlier in the policymaking process to help ensure reforms are practical and effective.

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

'Consultation can improve policy'

The logistics executive said some trade reforms were introduced without sufficient engagement with the businesses expected to implement them.

According to him, this can create operational bottlenecks, increase the cost of doing business and produce unintended consequences that could have been avoided through wider consultation.

He said regular dialogue between government agencies and industry stakeholders would provide policymakers with a clearer understanding of operational realities at Ghana's ports and border posts.

Industry groups have long argued that successful trade reforms depend not only on policy objectives but also on effective implementation.

Pressure to improve competitiveness

His comments come as businesses continue to call for measures to reduce delays, simplify customs procedures and lower the cost of clearing goods through Ghana's ports.

The logistics sector is regarded as a key pillar of Ghana's ambition to strengthen its position as a trade and transport hub for West Africa, with competition increasing among ports across the region.

Mr Percy-Brown said improving efficiency required stronger cooperation between government, port authorities, customs officials and private-sector operators.

He said freight forwarders and logistics companies were willing to support reforms but wanted greater involvement in the design of policies that directly affect their operations.

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

He argued that deeper public-private collaboration would help build confidence in government reforms, improve compliance and produce policies that better reflect the realities of international trade and logistics in Ghana.