We’ll leverage on AfCFTA to increase exports – Ofosu-Adjare

The Minister-Designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has outlined a bold vision for Ghana’s trade and industrial sector, focusing on maximising the benefits of international trade agreements to drive export growth.

Speaking during her vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, she emphasised the pivotal role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in achieving the government’s goal of expanding export markets and creating sustainable jobs for Ghana’s youth.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare underscored the importance of AfCFTA, describing it as a game-changing opportunity for Ghana to penetrate larger markets across the African continent.

With Ghana hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, she highlighted that the agreement presents a unique platform to position the country as a leading exporter of goods and services within Africa.

The Minister-Designate revealed plans to work closely with AfCFTA’s structures and other international trade bodies to ensure that Ghanaian products meet global standards, enabling them to compete favourably on the international market.

This approach, she said, would be a crucial step in reducing Ghana’s trade deficit and increasing foreign exchange earnings.

“Once we produce more, the whole idea is to export and fortunately for us, there are trade agreements and we are going to leverage on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other trade agreements to promote our exports to make sure that we have the market for the products that we produce.

“The whole idea of providing jobs for our teaming youth is through the 24-hour economy and so as we produce, we are looking for markets, leveraging on the trade agreements that we have to ensure that our products are exported.”