Ghana has renewed its strategic partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) to strengthen trade facilitation, increase exports and support sustainable economic growth across the country.
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI) and TradeMark Africa formalised the renewed partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving Ghana’s trade infrastructure, expanding market access and enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses.
The agreement reinforces Ghana’s commitment to implementing key international and regional trade frameworks, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the ECOWAS trade agenda.
The MoU was signed by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and TradeMark Africa Deputy CEO Allen Sophia Asiime.
Ghana–TradeMark Africa Partnership to Improve Trade Facilitation
The renewed agreement builds on an earlier partnership established in January 2023, which provided a framework for supporting Ghana’s trade and economic development priorities.
Under the new agreement, TradeMark Africa and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry will continue implementing the Ghana Country Programme (GCP) Strategy.
The programme focuses on strengthening trade facilitation, regional integration, private sector competitiveness and access to international and regional markets.
The partnership will also support the modernisation of Ghana’s border management systems, expansion of digital trade infrastructure and improvement of logistics networks.
A major objective is to reduce the time and cost of transporting goods along the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor, which is an important trade route for West Africa.
Partnership to Boost Ghanaian Exports
The renewed collaboration will promote stronger standards and quality assurance systems to improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian products in regional and international markets.
Agricultural and manufactured products are expected to benefit from improved export support, helping local businesses take advantage of opportunities created by the AfCFTA.
The partnership will also focus on increasing the participation of women, young entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in regional trade.
Through inclusive trade programmes and improved access to trade finance, more Ghanaian businesses will be supported to expand their operations and access new markets.
The agreement will further help Ghana prepare for emerging green trade requirements and changing international market standards.
Digital Border Systems Improve Trade in Ghana
Speaking about the progress achieved through the partnership, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare highlighted improvements at the Akanu–Noepe Joint Border Post.
She recently participated in the commissioning of upgraded border management systems, including integrated digital customs technology, modern infrastructure and solar energy solutions.
The improvements have enabled 24-hour border operations and helped reduce delays associated with the movement of goods and people.
Over 1,250 Women and Cross-Border Traders Supported
Beyond infrastructure and digital technology, the Ghana–TradeMark Africa partnership has supported traders and businesses through institutional capacity building, training for border officials and export readiness programmes for SMEs.
More than 1,250 women and small-scale cross-border traders have benefited from assistance covering AfCFTA procedures, simplified trading processes and safer cross-border trading environments.
TradeMark Africa Deputy CEO Allen Sophia Asiime commended the government, particularly the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, for its continued cooperation and expressed optimism about the next phase of the partnership.
Ghana Targets Regional Trade and Investment Hub Status
The renewed MoU is expected to create opportunities for increased investment, higher exports and stronger regional economic integration.
The partnership supports Ghana’s ambition to become a leading trade and investment hub in West Africa while advancing national priorities such as private sector development, industrialisation, job creation and export-led economic growth.
With stronger trade infrastructure, improved border systems and expanded AfCFTA opportunities, the government expects the renewed partnership with TradeMark Africa to contribute significantly to Ghana’s efforts to build a resilient, competitive and export-driven economy.
Source: newsthemegh.com