The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana is urging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to eliminate trade barriers that hinder intra-African trade. The association’s president, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamassah, cites infrastructural and logistical challenges as major obstacles for exporters exploring other African markets.
Dr. Kamassah highlights the difficulties faced by traders and drivers, particularly within ECOWAS and the West African region. For instance, onion traders transporting goods from Niger encounter multiple obstacles during transit. These challenges are not unique to Ghana; Africa’s agricultural trade faces similar hurdles, including poor logistical infrastructure and non-tariff measures that significantly limit intra-African trade.
The AfCFTA aims to reduce tariffs and promote regional value chains, agro-industrialization, and infrastructure development. By addressing these challenges, African countries can unlock the full potential of intra-African trade and reap economic benefits, including increased real income gains, poverty reduction, and boosted exports.
Dr. Kamassah emphasizes that exporters are not seeking financial handouts but rather a conducive environment to support intra-African trade. The AfCFTA Secretariat must take a proactive role in resolving these issues to promote trade among African countries.
The association’s call to action comes in response to the recent 10% tariff imposed by the U.S. government on exported goods from all countries, including Ghana. Dr. Kamassah stresses that the AfCFTA Secretariat must remain committed to eliminating trade barriers and creating a favorable environment for intra-African trade to thrive.
