Trade Ministry lifts ban on rice imports

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has relaxed the ban on importation of rice through the country’s borders.

The decision was taken after the ministry considered a petition received from the Ghana-Ivory Coast Rice Importers to enable them to clear the commodity.

A statement signed by Nana Akrasi Sarpong, acting Director of Communication and Public Affairs at the ministry, said the lifting of the ban would assist importers who have made financial commitments or advance payment for rice from their suppliers abroad.

The statement said in view of this, a stakeholders meeting between officials of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), rice importers and officials from the ministry have been scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2014.

It said the meeting was expected to review the importation of rice through the Ivory Coast border and to assess whether the importers pay the requisite duties or not.

The ministry, therefore, implores officials of GRA to ensure that the required taxes are paid to enable the government to realise the needed revenue for national development.