Developing an organized commodity exchange in Ghana: Challenges and economic prospects

Abstract

We have examined challenges and economic prospects of establishing an organized Commodity Exchange in Ghana. We find that such a market will result in reduction in post-harvest losses through price stability, improvement in commodity price risk and credit risk management, provision of a transparent and competitive price discovery mechanism, reduction in transaction and marketing costs, and avoidance of making the mistakes of others. However, we also identify the challenges that should be resolved such as lack of laws and regulations specifically pertaining to the commodity exchange; inadequate financial support; lack of trading infrastructure; inadequate volume; liquidity problem; smallholder farms; lack of understanding of trading instruments; and government/political interference to this end. Overall policy implications suggest inadequate infrastructure and capacity building of market participants should be enhanced.