Accra, Ghana – March 14, 2024 – TradeMark Africa (TMA) officially inaugurated its first Country Programmes Oversight Committee (CPOC) in Ghana on March 13, 2024. The Committee will play a critical role in overseeing trade and facilitation development programmes designed to enhance trade growth and competitiveness not only within Ghana, but also along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.  

This initiative builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Ghana (Ministry of Trade and Industry) and TMA on January 27, 2023. The agreement outlines a collaborative effort to strengthen Ghana’s trade infrastructure and environment, ultimately contributing to the country’s competitiveness within the framework of the National African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Policy Framework and Action Plan. 

Under the terms of the agreement, TMA Ghana will provide comprehensive support, including financial resources, technical expertise, capacity building initiatives, and logistical assistance. This support will benefit various stakeholders, such as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) within Ghana, the private sector, and civil society organisations. It will specifically focus on aiding the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the National AfCFTA Coordination Office in implementing the support programme. 

With support from UK’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, the programme is already demonstrating momentum with a range of initiatives underway. Some of these initiatives include: 

• Supporting the design and implementation of continental frameworks for transit management and customs, Standards, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, trade facilitation strategies, and inter-Regional Economic Communities (REC) technical coordination. This will involve collaboration with Regional Economic Communities, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the African Union Commission (AUC) to foster coordination and engagement. 
• Enhancing coordination and streamlining procedures for the handling and clearance of goods between Ghana and neighbouring countries 
• Supporting inclusive trade; build the capacity of women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in cross-border trade, to comply with border requirements, ultimately aiming to reduce instances of abuse and harassment. 

The Committee was chaired by Mr Patrick Yaw Nimo, the Chief Director in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, flanked by Dr. Fareed Arthur, the National Coordinator – National (AFCFTA) Coordination Office. The Vice Chair is Mr John Defor, Director of Policy at the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), with membership drawn from other government agencies and private sector bodies. TMA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ms Allen Asiimwe and TMA’s West Africa and AfCFTA Director, Ms Harriet Gayi represented the organisation.