Accra: Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, inaugurated the boards of three pivotal institutions on Wednesday to enhance Ghana's efforts in boosting intra-continental trade. The institutions involved are the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare emphasized the crucial role these organizations play in attracting investments, ensuring consumer safety, and increasing commerce through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She highlighted the necessity of standard harmonization, stating that such measures would facilitate easier trade with other countries participating in the AfCFTA initiative.
Addressing concerns about substandard products in the Ghanaian market, the Minister urged the Ghana Standards Authority to protect consumers diligently. She assured government support for the GSA's board and management to maintain consumer safety while fostering industrial contribution to national development.
Furthermore, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare expressed the government's dedication to enhancing the GIPC law to attract and retain high-quality investments, aligning with the economic transformation and job creation agenda. She also tasked the GEXIM board to empower local manufacturers to add value to Ghana's resources intended for export.
Mr. Hudu Mogtari, the Board Chair of the Ghana Standards Authority, committed to safeguarding consumer interests and supporting industrial growth through improved standardization and regulatory measures. Dr. Joseph Nyakotey Dorh, the Board Chair of GEXIM, introduced five key focus areas to align the bank's operations with the President's vision of a 24-hour economy. These focus areas include agriculture and agri-business, garment and apparel manufacturing, food production, import substitution, and export promotion.
Mr. Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, the Board Chair of GIPC, assured that the investment climate would be made more conducive and flexible to attract investors in various priority sectors. The GIPC board includes notable figures such as Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem, and GIPC CEO Simon Madjie, among others.
Additionally, the GEXIM board comprises members such as Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi (MP), Ms. Matilda Asante-Aseidu, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and Sylvester Adinam Mensah, Acting CEO of GEXIM. The GSA board is composed of twelve members, including Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse and Prof. Ransford Edward Van Gyamfo, to name a few.
