In 2017, ports and harbours regulator Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) gave the licence for two critical processes required for exports — stevedoring and shore handling — exclusively to a company in which it holds a 25 percent stake: Fruit Export Terminal Limited (FET). This is a departure from the previous arrangement, which saw the industry-led Fruit Terminal Company Limited (FCT) handle the processes.
Now, stakeholders in Ghana’s horticulture industry are demanding an end to the ongoing licensure stand-off. They want all relevant parties to ensure that the regulator abides by earlier, mutually-agreed decisions.
That is why the industry participants have called on the Agriculture and Transport ministries, as well as the Economic Management Team, to intervene.
A member of the Sea-Freight Pineapple Exporters of Ghana said he is particularly perplexed by GPHA's disregard for the industry's request, as well as the seeming inability of higher authorities to enforce measures, given the potential impact on the economy.
Despite the impasse, there has been an increase in the volume and value of banana exports; in 2017, 76,077 tons of bananas were exported. 2018 and 2019 saw 85,463 and 92,019 tons of the fruit exported respectively.
The export of pineapples has however suffered, as volume has steadily declined from 10,319 tons in 2017 to 4,343 tons in 2021.
Source: ghanaweb.com