Ghana must lead AfCFTA by example — Trade Minister

Ghana has been urged to take a leading role in demonstrating the practical benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as the government intensifies efforts to position the country as a hub for intra-African trade and industrial growth.

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said Ghana’s status as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat places a responsibility on the country to translate policy commitments into tangible outcomes for businesses across the continent.

Addressing participants on the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region, the minister stressed that Ghana must set the pace by showcasing how intra-African trade can drive economic transformation.

“Underpinning all of this is our Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. Ghana carries a particular responsibility to demonstrate what intra-African trade can deliver in practice,” she said.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare indicated that government efforts are focused on equipping local enterprises with the tools needed to compete effectively within the continental market, including access to trade information and certification systems.

“We are working to ensure that Ghanaian enterprises as well as businesses have access to rules of origin certification, tariff intelligence, and market linkages necessary to compete and win in the continental market,” she added.

She linked the strategy to broader plans to reposition special economic zones as active industrial ecosystems, with emphasis on agro-processing and light manufacturing to enhance export competitiveness within Africa.

The minister emphasised that the success of AfCFTA implementation would depend largely on the readiness of the private sector to respond to emerging opportunities.

“No policies will deliver their ultimate intended outcome and aspirations without a private sector participation which will prepared to meet government-enabling environment with deliberate investment in technology, skills, governance, and standard compliance,” she said.