The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has praised President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to waive import duties on agro-processing machinery, calling the move a significant step toward revitalizing the country’s agriculture sector.
The announcement, made on MondayJuly 28,during the National Agribusiness Dialogue in Accra, is part of a broader push by the Mahama administration to incentivize investment in agricultural value addition and reduce post-harvest losses.
Speaking to Citi Business News, GAWU General Secretary Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe said the decision reflects long-standing calls from the union and other sector stakeholders. “Someone is clearly listening to the advocacy we’ve done—especially alongside Channel One News,” Mr. Tagoe said. “Listening to the president this morning, I felt many of our concerns were being addressed.”
Mr. Tagoe questioned the logic of maintaining high import duties on farming equipment in a country that relies heavily on agriculture. “Why impose high import duties on agricultural machinery when we aim to grow our agro-based economy?” he asked. “We’re happy with this move, but now we expect implementation. Institutions must begin work immediately.”
Despite welcoming the policy, GAWU raised concerns about the complex procedures often involved in claiming such exemptions. Mr. Tagoe cited the bureaucratic hurdles applicants face in securing duty waivers at the port, which he says can sometimes lead to higher-than-expected costs. “If the process isn’t streamlined, you may end up paying more at the port than you should,” he warned.
The union is calling on relevant agencies to simplify administrative procedures and ensure a smooth rollout of the policy, which it believes could accelerate modernization efforts across Ghana’s agricultural sector.
President Mahama’s announcement comes amid renewed efforts to position agribusiness as a central pillar of Ghana’s economic recovery and job creation strategy.
