A Ghanaian importer sees the rain of reforms: Praises Mahama for reduced clearing fees

On May 6th, 2025, a Ghanaian businessman who imports Hyundai trucks from Japan took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the current administration, led by President John Mahama. His words, brimming with optimism, highlight a perceived positive shift in the notoriously complex and costly arena of port clearing procedures.

The importer’s specific praise centered on a significant reduction in clearing fees for his Hyundai trucks. He detailed a dramatic drop from GHC 102,326.28 in December 2024 to GHC 83,000 by May 2025. This represents a substantial difference of over GHC 20,000 for the same vehicle cleared through the port system. He attributed this change to “Prudent Governance” under President Mahama’s leadership.

For years, Ghana’s ports have been identified as a major bottleneck hindering economic growth. Plagued by inefficiencies, bureaucratic red tape, and exorbitant fees, these issues have consistently stifled trade and burdened businesses.

While the general populace of Ghana undoubtedly anticipates more comprehensive and lasting reforms, this individual’s experience suggests a promising first step in the right direction.

His testimony provides a tangible example of the potential positive impact of targeted policy changes. A reduction in clearing fees, even for specific goods, can translate to lower costs for businesses, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers and increased competitiveness in the market. This, in turn, can stimulate economic activity and contribute to overall growth.

The importer’s enthusiasm reflects a wider yearning for progress in the crucial area of port management. The inefficient and opaque nature of the system has long been a source of frustration for businesses both large and small. President Mahama’s government appears to have recognised this pain point and has begun to address the issues head-on.

And I wish to spice this article with a poignant analogy. I would like to evoke the timeless song “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival to illustrate the optimism of the importer. Just as the song captures the unexpected appearance of sunshine amidst a downpour, I believe that President Mahama’s “reset agenda” has finally begun to deliver tangible results. And I want to liken the drop in clearing fees to the arrival of “rain,” signifying a period of refreshment and renewal for the import sector.

While it is important to remember that one individual’s experience doesn’t represent the entirety of the national picture, this particular case offers a glimpse of hope and a potential pathway to a more efficient and transparent port system. It signals the possibility that the government is actively listening to the concerns of the business community and is taking steps to address long-standing challenges.

The effectiveness and long-term sustainability of these initial reforms remain to be seen. However, for this Ghanaian importer, at least, President John Mahama’s leadership is already bearing fruit, offering a much-needed ray of sunshine after a long period of stagnation in the crucial port sector. The hope is that this is just the beginning of a sustained effort to streamline operations, reduce costs, and unlock the full potential of Ghana’s ports as engines of economic growth.

Mahama’s reforms are raining, and I wanna know whether you have ever seen the rain?

Anthony Obeng Afrane