The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI) has renewed its strategic partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening trade facilitation, boosting exports and supporting Ghana’s sustainable economic growth.
The renewed agreement reinforces the commitment of both institutions to deepen collaboration in implementing Ghana’s obligations under key regional and international trade frameworks, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) trade agenda.
The agreement was signed by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of TradeMark Africa, Madam Allen Sophia Asiimwe. It builds on an earlier partnership established in January 2023, which provided a strategic framework for advancing Ghana’s trade and economic development priorities.
Under the renewed partnership, TradeMark Africa and the Ministry will continue implementing the Ghana Country Programme (GCP) Strategy, focusing on trade facilitation, regional integration, private sector competitiveness and improved market access.
The agreement also seeks to modernise Ghana’s border management systems, strengthen digital trade infrastructure, improve logistics networks and reduce the time and cost of transporting goods along the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor.
It further aims to strengthen standards and quality systems to improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian exports, particularly agricultural and manufactured products, while supporting the country’s industrialisation agenda.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described the renewed partnership as a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to create a more competitive and efficient trading environment.
“This renewed partnership reflects our shared commitment to making trade easier, faster and more inclusive. By improving border systems, expanding digital trade infrastructure and supporting exporters, we are positioning Ghana to fully harness the opportunities under the AfCFTA and strengthen our competitiveness in regional and global markets,” she said.
The Minister highlighted the success of ongoing interventions under the previous agreement, citing her recent visit to commission the upgraded border management systems at the Akanu–Noepe Joint Border Post.
She noted that integrated digital customs systems, modern infrastructure and solar-powered facilities have enabled 24-hour border operations, significantly reducing delays and improving the movement of goods across the border.
A key component of the renewed partnership is the promotion of inclusive trade by expanding opportunities for women, youth and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in regional and continental markets.
The agreement will also support improved access to trade finance, build export readiness among local businesses and help Ghana prepare for emerging global green trade requirements.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of TradeMark Africa, Madam Allen Sophia Asiimwe, commended the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry for the strong collaboration that has characterised the partnership.
“We are proud of the progress made together over the past few years.
This renewed agreement provides an opportunity to scale up investments that will improve trade efficiency, strengthen private sector competitiveness and create greater opportunities for businesses, particularly women and youth-led enterprises,” she stated.
Beyond infrastructure development, the partnership has strengthened institutional capacity through the training of border officials and provided export readiness support to small businesses.
More than 1,250 women and small-scale cross-border traders have benefited from training on AfCFTA procedures, simplified trade processes and safer trading practices, enabling them to take advantage of expanding regional market opportunities.
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding is expected to serve as a platform for increasing exports, attracting investment and advancing Ghana’s ambition of becoming a leading regional trade and investment hub.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s broader agenda of promoting private sector-led growth, industrialisation, job creation and building a resilient export-driven economy.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
