According to the association, Ghana’s trading environment still faces challenges such as cumbersome clearance procedures, excessive bureaucracy, and limited transparency – issues that continue to hinder efficiency despite recent policy improvements.

The group is therefore calling for streamlined processes, improved port operations, and stronger coordination among border agencies.

IEAG’s renewed advocacy comes as it welcomes President John Dramani Mahama’s approval of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy Repeal Act, 2025.

The move abolishes the one per cent levy, which has contributed to higher trading costs since its introduction in 2021.

The cancellation, which takes effect in January 2026, is expected to ease financial pressures on importers and exporters.

The association also praised the government for fulfilling its pledge to remove both the COVID-19 Levy and the E-Levy; two taxes it says have long undermined business efficiency, cash flow, and overall trade competitiveness.

In addition, IEAG commended the downward revision of the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 21.9% to 20%, describing it as a policy shift that will lower production costs, influence pricing positively, and reduce the cost of clearing goods.

The group further welcomed the recent stabilisation of the Ghana cedi, noting that it has strengthened business confidence and improved predictability for traders.

Despite these gains, the IEAG is advocating further reforms, including the reintegration of the GETFund and NHIS levies into the main VAT structure.

The separation of these levies since 2018, they argue, has complicated compliance and increased the tax burden on businesses. A single composite VAT rate, they said, would simplify administration and bring greater clarity.

The association also recommended a review of the 2% Special Import Levy, expressing hope that it will eventually be scrapped as part of the government’s broader strategy to lower the cost of doing business.

IEAG reaffirmed its readiness to work with the government and key institutions to build a more predictable, efficient, and business-friendly trading environment that supports the growth of the wider Ghanaian economy.