MAPS Ghana : non-traditional export survey results 1991

The study focused on: (1) firm structure; (2) perceptions regarding the policy environment and the avenues of future growth; (3) resource constraints; and (4) the role and effectiveness of supporting institutions, especially the Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC). Major conclusions are as follows. (1) NTE firms, particularly those in the industrial and fish export sectors, tend to employ more people than the average Ghanaian enterprise. (2) Firm ownership tends to be local (90%), male (93%), and private (99%). Location is rarely outside Greater Accra, and, except for industrial exporters, sales are predominantly to domestic markets. (3) Though optimistic about the future, most exporters operate at relatively low capacity, and production costs are rising due to the high cost of raw materials. (4) Most NTE firms believe that government policy has had a positive effect on business and are satisfied with export procedures (except for customs). They also view the GEPC as helpful for export development, although they believe it must improve its marketing assistance programs. Business associations are viewed as far less helpful. (5) NTE firms are generally dissatisfied with Ghana"s infrastructure; freight and telecommunications services are expensive and inadequate land transport constrains exports. However, access to credit, mainly working capital, is identified as the primary constraint to expansion. Strategies relative to these findings are discussed in conclusion. A copy of the survey questionnaire is appended.