Ghana’s drive to strengthen its export sector received renewed attention as the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) commemorated its 10th anniversary with a two-day national conference, drawing major stakeholders from across the trade and industrial landscape.
The conference served as a convergence point for Ghanaian organisations operating within export, import, and trade-related sectors, offering a platform for engagement on policy direction, investment opportunities, and strategies to improve Ghana’s competitiveness in global markets.
The opening day featured notable dignitaries, including Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama, Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi, and a representative of the Ga Mantse. Their remarks underscored persistent challenges within Ghana’s trade system, while outlining commitments to reforms aimed at improving efficiency and expanding export capacity.
A key issue that emerged strongly was the call for GEXIM to broaden its mandate. Speakers emphasised the need for the Bank to move beyond financing to supporting institutional development, strengthening value chains, and prioritising small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as critical drivers of economic growth.
Discussions at the conference were deepened through about 10 panel sessions, each moderated and comprising four panellists. These sessions brought together voices from GEXIM, GCB Bank, NEXIM, the poultry sector, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), encouraging practical dialogue on trade barriers, financing gaps, and market access.
One of the defining moments of the event was the signing of Memoranda of Agreement between GEXIM and eight Ghanaian organisations: Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited, TKS Packaging & Printing Limited, Nadkansco Company Limited, Freshsaco Foods Exports Company Limited, SPEG, Buntaa Farms Limited, Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms Limited, and the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI).
The partnerships are expected to enhance production, support export readiness, and stimulate industrial expansion.
Closing the conference, GEXIM Chief Executive Officer Silvester Mensah expressed gratitude to participants and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to advancing Ghana’s export-led growth agenda.
