An Assessment of the Future of the Transit Trade in Ghana

Abstract

This dissertation is a qualitative assessment of the future of the transit trade in Ghana with emphasis on import transit trade through the Port of Tema. A brief history of the transit trade in West Africa particularly Ghana was discussed. The study revealed that Ghana did not position itself for the transit trade so she was caught unaware when the trade arrived in Ghana. The international regime for the transit trade was also discussed. It revealed that Ghana had no option but to open its ports for the use of the neighbouring landlocked countries. The trend of the import transit trade in Ghana was investigated. This revealed that the transit trade is faced with challenges that hinder its growth. The challenges of the transit trade was also investigated. The study concluded that the challenges facing the transit trade in Ghana can be overcome with better understanding of the benefits of the trade backed with an attitudinal change of stakeholders. The study revealed among other things that transit importers are dissatisfied with the service delivery in the Port of Tema but as some have moved to neighbouring ports some continue to use the Port of Tema as a business strategy. Finally, the study recommends a range of measures to be undertaken by Ghana to grow and sustain the transit trade if she still wants to maintain its vision of becoming the gateway to West Africa