- Nana Kweku Essuman, CEO of Essuman Motors, appeals to President John Dramani Mahama to reform the current port payment system.
- He urges the government to allow import duties to be paid in Ghana Cedi instead of US Dollar to ease the burden on the business community.
- The current system is putting an unbearable strain on importers, forcing them to scramble for foreign exchange and weakening the Ghana Cedi.
- The automotive sector is particularly hit by fluctuating exchange rates, driving up the cost of vehicles and other imported goods for Ghanaians.
Ghana's business community is facing a mounting challenge as the country's ports continue to operate under a system that has been described as 'outdated' by a prominent auto dealer. Nana Kweku Essuman, CEO of Essuman Motors, made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to reform the current port payment system during an interview on Kasapa FM's morning show, Ghana Kasa, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Essuman's appeal is centered around the current requirement for import duties to be paid in US Dollars, which he believes is putting an unbearable strain on the business community. He argued that this system is not only detrimental to businesses but also has a ripple effect on the country's economy as a whole.
Background: The Struggling Ghana Cedi
The Ghana Cedi has been facing significant challenges in recent years, including a sharp decline in value against major foreign currencies. This has led to a rise in the cost of imported goods, making it difficult for Ghanaians to access essential commodities. The situation has been exacerbated by the country's reliance on imported goods, which account for a significant portion of the country's consumption.
The automotive sector is particularly hit by fluctuating exchange rates, with importers struggling to maintain a stable price for vehicles and other imported goods. This has led to a significant increase in the cost of vehicles, making it difficult for Ghanaians to access affordable transportation options.
The Impact on Businesses
The current system of conducting business in Ghana, where the dollar remains the benchmark for government revenue at the ports, is forcing importers to scramble for foreign exchange. This has led to a shortage of foreign exchange, which has further weakened the Ghana Cedi and driven up the cost of imported goods.
Essuman argued that the current system is not only detrimental to businesses but also has a negative impact on the country's economy. He urged the government to allow import duties to be paid in Ghana Cedi, which he believes would ease the burden on importers and help to stabilize the country's currency.
A Call for Reform
Nana Kweku Essuman's appeal to President Mahama is a clarion call for reform in the country's port payment system. He argued that the current system is outdated and no longer serves the best interest of the business community. He urged the government to take immediate action to reform the system, which he believes would have a positive impact on the country's economy.
Essuman's appeal has sparked a renewed debate on the need for reform in the country's port payment system. The debate is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with stakeholders calling for a more inclusive and transparent system that serves the best interest of all stakeholders.
What This Means
The appeal by Nana Kweku Essuman to President Mahama to reform the current port payment system has significant implications for the country's economy. If implemented, the proposed reforms could help to ease the burden on importers, stabilize the Ghana Cedi, and reduce the cost of imported goods for Ghanaians. However, the implementation of the reforms will depend on the government's willingness to take bold action and prioritize the interests of the business community.
The debate on the need for reform in the country's port payment system is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Stakeholders are calling for a more inclusive and transparent system that serves the best interest of all stakeholders. The outcome of the debate will determine the future of the country's economy and the well-being of its citizens.
As the debate continues, it is essential for the government to take a proactive approach to reform the current port payment system. This will require a thorough assessment of the current system, identification of areas for improvement, and the implementation of reforms that prioritize the interests of the business community.
