US Ambassador to Ghana Robert Jackson wants Ghanaians exporting under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to step up their game to reap the full benefit of the programme.

The Act, which was signed on 18 May 2000, offers tangible incentives for African countries to continue their efforts to open their economies and build free markets.

Speaking at a partnership programme for growth organised by the US Embassy in Accra on Wednesday, 6 July, 2017, Mr Jackson said Ghanaians had not fully availed themselves of the opportunity to enjoy the total benefits of the programme.

Mr Jackson said: “The United States welcomes increased Made-in-Ghana products being shipped into the United States through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Unfortunately, Ghanaian exporters are still not availing themselves to the full benefits of the programme.”

He noted that access to affordable credit is one of the main roadblocks to AGOA.

To this end, Mr Jackson noted: “During one of our previous PFG meetings, Ghana asked for US technical support for the new Ghana Exim Bank intending to be the principal financing institution, supporting Ghana’s effort to move from being an import-dependent country to becoming a large scale exporter. Some suggested that Ghana Exim Bank may provide opportunities for Ghanaian businessmen and women to take better advantage of AGOA and other trade opportunities. We remain committed to working with the new Exim Bank if continued assistance is needed. United States remains committed to our development partnership with Ghana.”