President Mahama Pledges Support to Exporters: Credit, Infrastructure, and Facilities
President of Ghana H.E John Dramani Mahama has addressed the issues of credit for exporters, reaffirmed government commitment to support exporters with infrastructure and facilities.
During meetings with the delegation from Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters( FAGE) , at the Jubilee House earlier today, President Mahama emphasized the need to enhance export processes to facilitate the smooth movement of export products.
“ We must improve export processes so that it makes it easier for you to be able to move your export products out.” He said.
He highlighted, collaboration with exporters is crucial to identify and remove obstacles, ensuring a clear path for exports.
“And so we’ll be working closely with you to find out what the obstacles and hindrances are, and we’ll work together with you to make sure that we smoothen it so that you can have a clear path to be able to export your products and be able to make Ghana’s economics stronger.” President outlined.
President Mahama maintained that, investment in export processing zones, cold chain facilities, and pack houses is necessary to support exporters.
“And so investing in export processing zones, providing cold chain facilities for those who need cold chain to be able to do their exports.” He added.
He stressed the need to provide pack houses for exporters to be able to pack their goods properly for the export market.
Addressing Credit Issues for Exporters ;
Mr. Mahama acknowledged the issue of credit and its impact on production and exports.
“And you mentioned the issue of credit. It’s important to be able to give you affordable credit so that you are able to increase your production and thereby be able to export.” He assured.
He cited the establishment of the Ghana Exim Bank in 2016 which was meant to support exporters.
“ It’s because of you that in 2016 I set up the Ghana Exim Bank. Unfortunately, I’ve looked at the portfolio of the credit that has been given, and you are the people that money should have been going to, not to people who just take it and buy sports cars and things like that.” President asserted.
President Mahama criticizes the misuse of credit by some recipients, highlighting the intended purpose of the bank.
“ If you look at the list of some of those who took that money, you wonder, I mean, really, that’s not why we set up the bank.” He disclosed.
President Mahama revealed his personal encounter with the Chief Executive of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to inspect businesses to understand their credit needs better.
“And so I’ve spoken to the chief executive. He will be meeting with you, and He will inspect your businesses and see what your demand in terms of credit are so that we can provide that credit for you.” He Mahama pledged.
He further said, meeting with the chief executive of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority ,FAGE and Ghana Exim Bank will focus on making credit products available to expand their businesses.
