TradeMark Africa launches Country Programmes Oversight Committee in Ghana

GHANA – TradeMark Africa (TMA) has inaugurated its first Country Programmes Oversight Committee (CPOC) in Ghana.

This committee is key in overseeing trade and customs development programs aimed at fostering trade growth and competitiveness, not only within Ghana but also along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.

The establishment of the CPOC builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Ghana, specifically the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and TMA in January 2023.

This agreement signifies a collaborative effort to bolster Ghana’s trade infrastructure and environment, aligning with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Policy Framework and Action Plan.

Under the agreement, TMA Ghana is committed to providing comprehensive support encompassing financial resources, technical expertise, capacity building, and logistical assistance.

The program targets various stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations, with a focus on assisting the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the National AfCFTA Coordination Office in implementing support initiatives.

Key initiatives underway

The program has gained momentum with several initiatives already underway.

Some specific initiatives include supporting the design and implementation of continental frameworks encompassing transit management, customs procedures, standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, trade facilitation connections, and inter-Regional Economic Communities (REC) technical coordination.

TMA is collaborating with Regional Economic Communities, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the African Union Commission (AUC) to foster coordination and engagement.

Additionally, TMA is working towards enhancing coordination and streamlining procedures for goods handling and clearance between Ghana and Togo, aiming to boost efficiency and minimize cross-border trade bottlenecks.

Furthermore, TMA is actively supporting women cross-border traders by assisting them in complying with border requirements, with a focus on reducing instances of abuse and harassment, thus promoting inclusivity and creating a conducive trading environment for women.

The CPOC is chaired by Mr. Patrick Yaw Nimo from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with membership from government agencies and private sector bodies.

TMA is represented by Ms. Allen Asiimwe, the Deputy CEO, and Ms. Harriet Gayi, the West Africa and AfCFTA Director.

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