Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has announced Ghana’s plan to convene a meeting of ECOWAS Trade Ministers to discuss the crucial issue of harmonizing standards and procedures across the West African sub-region.
The initiative, revealed during her meeting with UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan in Geneva, aims to address one of the key barriers to effective regional trade and the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Minister noted that she had already engaged Mr. Kola, Director for Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, on the proposed plan, and confirmed that ECOWAS has agreed in principle to support and co-sponsor the high-level convening. Harmonization of regional standards is considered vital for unlocking the full potential of both the ECOWAS free trade zone and the continental market, as differing national standards often lead to non-tariff barriers, increased costs, and delays for businesses operating across borders.
This strategic move by Ghana is directly aligned with the broader discussions held at the 16th session of the UNCTAD conference (UNCTAD XVI). The UNCTAD Secretary-General, Ms. Grynspan, acknowledged the inherent challenges in regional integration but strongly emphasized that when such integration is effectively institutionalized, it becomes one of the most powerful tools available for achieving sustainable development.
The collaboration with ECOWAS, therefore, represents a major step toward creating a more coherent and predictable trading environment in West Africa.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
