As Ghanaian traders continue to encounter frustrating trade barriers within the sub-region, Mrs. Gifty Fianu, General Secretary of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, has called for stronger implementation of regional trade agreements under ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
During her speech at the 2025 West African Automotive Show (WASS) in Lagos, Mrs. Fianu emphasized the prospects the occasion offered Ghana’s spare parts sector.
“It helped us get investors and suppliers,” she noted, adding that, “This year’s Show is unique because it was designed to make business easier for us. We in Ghana don’t have that much capital, and so we need partners. And this platform presented the best opportunity for us.”
Mrs. Fianu expressed concerns about persistent trade obstacles in spite of the advancements achieved through venues such as the car show.
“One of the key issues is with ECOWAS is that Nigerians have refused to accept the ECOWAS travel certificate, and that is very frustrating,” she said.
“Again, there is another challenge when you import from African countries under AfCFTA.”
She emphasized that although African nations persisted in advocating for regional trade integration, there was still a lack of effective implementation.
“The AfCFTA programme is not working as expected. Mrs. Fianu urged authorities to eliminate obstacles that impede cross-border trade, saying, “We urge our leaders to follow the ECOWAS treaty and make things work better.”
One of the biggest automobile parts markets in West Africa was represented by the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, whose attendance at the regional event highlighted the growing significance of intra-African trade in fostering local economies.
Source: newsthemegh.com