The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Presidency following its exclusion from the recent Presidential Private Sector Dialogue convened by John Dramani Mahama.

In a press release dated February 25, 2026, the Association described its omission as troubling, particularly as this marks the second time it has been left out of such a high-level engagement since President Mahama assumed office a year ago.

According to the IEAG, after being excluded from a similar dialogue last year, it sought clarification from the Presidency and was informed that the omission was an administrative error.

However, the recurrence of the situation has raised concerns within the Association, which now finds it difficult to accept the explanation as a mere oversight.

The group acknowledged the President’s call for stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate economic growth and his vision of positioning Ghana as West Africa’s production hub.

It also welcomed his encouragement to businesses to leverage the presence of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat to expand trade and industrialisation.

Despite aligning with these national objectives, the IEAG questioned why a key stakeholder in Ghana’s trade sector continues to be sidelined.

For over 11 years, the Association says it has played a critical role in shaping Ghana’s trade landscape through policy advocacy, cross-border trade facilitation, and support for government-led economic initiatives.

It also noted that it supported President Mahama’s trade and economic policy direction during his campaign period.

The IEAG further pointed out that its Executive Secretary serves on the Presidential Committee on Accelerated Export Development, which it believes underscores the Association’s technical expertise and contribution to national trade strategy.

Highlighting the importance of importers and exporters to Ghana’s economic transformation, the Association stressed that businesses involved in trade are central to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Citing projections by global institutions, it noted that AfCFTA has the potential to significantly boost intra-African trade through the reduction of tariffs and non-tariff barriers.

The Association explained that importers facilitate access to essential raw materials, machinery, and intermediate goods needed for industrial production, while exporters help expand Ghanaian products into regional markets, generate foreign exchange, and create employment.

It argued that excluding such a critical constituency undermines the spirit of inclusive dialogue required to fully realise the benefits of AfCFTA.

While stopping short of making direct allegations, the IEAG expressed hope that its recent constructive criticism and principled positions on certain government policies are not the reasons behind its repeated exclusion.

The Association stated that it has formally sought answers from the Presidency regarding what it describes as a deliberate omission by the organising team.

It assured government and stakeholders that it remains open to genuine engagement in the national interest, but indicated that it will adopt a more structured approach to future engagements to ensure its members’ voices are recognised and respected