The Cross-Border Women Traders Association (NCBWTA) has debunked the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG)’s claims of significant revenue loss due to smuggling of goods from neighboring countries.
NCBWTA insists that the majority of cross-border trading activities by its members are legal, transparent, and generate substantial revenue for the state, as shown in the recent report by the Ghana Statistical Service.
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In a press statement signed by the National Coordinator for the Cross-Border Women Traders Association (NCBWTA), Oscar Akabar Norvixoxo stated that FABAG’s media commentary and statement are misplaced and a total deviation from the reality on the ground.
NCBWTA wishes to categorically refute these claims and clarify that the vast majority of cross-border trading activities conducted by our members are legal, transparent, and generate much revenue for the state,” the statement noted.
The Association clarifies that many of its members, who are small and medium-scale traders, operate in accordance with all ECOWAS trade Liberalization Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Area agreements, hence, labeling these lawful trading activities as “smuggling” is inaccurate and unfair, and risks criminalizing legitimate businesswomen who support their families and the Ghanaian economy.
The statement noted that the main reason traders source goods from regional markets is price competitiveness, not a desire to evade taxes.
Local producers have consistently set higher prices. Instead of blaming cross-border traders, NCBWTA urges FABAG to engage in open dialogue with traders to establish realistic and fair pricing models for local consumers. Ghana cannot isolate itself from regional price competition; it must adapt, innovate, and cooperate.”
The statement recounts that official data from the Ghana Statistical Service show that cross-border informal and small-scale trade contributes over GH₵7.4 billion quarterly to national and local revenue.
On exports of goods from Ghana, the statement revealed that cross-border traders also export Ghanaian-made products to neighboring countries, as confirmed by the Ghana Statistical Service report on informal trade.
The statement concluded with a call on the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs Division, and other relevant stakeholders to hold joint consultations with cross-border traders to address trade balance issues and promote fair competition between local producers and regional traders.
The Association finally called on the National Trade Facilitation Directorate to convene an immediate multi-stakeholder meeting involving government agencies, private sector representatives, and cross-border trade associations to find practical and inclusive solutions that enhance Ghana’s trade competitiveness and revenue mobilization.
