Meet us halfway - Trade Minister tasks private sector with AfCFTA success
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, called on the Ghanaian private sector on Saturday, 4th April 2026, during the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum, insisting that the ambitious goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will only be realised if businesses step up their investment in modern technology and governance. She noted that Ghana carries a particular responsibility to demonstrate what intra-African trade can deliver in practice.
Ms. Ofosu-Adjare revealed that the government is intensifying its support for local firms, including providing critical data on tariff structures across the 54 other member states and streamlining the often-complex rules of origin certification. She added that the government is working to ensure that Ghanaian enterprises have access to rules of origin certification, tariff intelligence, and market linkages necessary to compete and win in the continental market. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are being transformed from mere industrial hubs into active ecosystems specifically tailored for light manufacturing and agro-processing.
The minister warned that the "enabling environment" provided by the ministry would be "sterile" if local businesses remained stagnant in their traditional methods of operation. She warned that none of these policies will deliver their intended outcome without a private sector that is prepared to meet a government-enabling environment with commensurate investment in technology, skills, governance, and standard compliance.
Quick Summary
Trade Minister Ofosu-Adjare addressed the private sector at the Kwahu Business Forum regarding the AfCFTA. She emphasized the need for businesses to invest in technology and governance- but what does this mean for Ghana's role in African trade?
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: Joy Business
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from Joy Business
Related Stories
More from Business & Economy
Gov't to overhaul free zones into manufacturing hubs for local production - Trade Minister
Big changes are coming to Ghana's free zones - but how will this affect local businesses?
13h ago•2 min read
Gov't making progress in clearing $1.7bn power debt - Mahama
A major debt was creating problems in Ghana's power sector - can the government find a way out?
8h ago•2 min read
Justice is the engine of growth - Chief Justice
The Chief Justice wants to transform Ghana's legal landscape - but how will this impact business?
9h ago•3 min read
Gathering of Royals 2026: Empowering women, boosting tomato production
Nearly 700 leaders gathered to discuss Ghana's tomato production - but what innovative solutions were proposed?
13h ago•3 min read
