The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has emphasized the need for immediate reforms aimed at lowering port fees and enhancing trade within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In a compelling address at the Crans Montana Forum in Morocco, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the significant barriers hindering intra-African trade, particularly the high port charges, logistical challenges, and the lack of a unified industrial policy across the continent.
He illustrated this point with a personal account from a trade delegation he led to Morocco three years prior, where a potentially beneficial partnership between Moroccan poultry exporters and Ghanaian agribusinesses fell through due to excessive port costs.
At first, importing poultry from Morocco was more economical than sourcing it from Brazil or the Netherlands, he stated. However, once port fees and tariffs were included, the expenses surged threefold.
Consequently, the Moroccan investors withdrew, resulting in a lost opportunity. He contended that this lost chance illustrates a larger systemic issue impacting Africa’s trade routes and supply chains, which consistently compels African enterprises to prioritize foreign markets over those within the continent.
Afenyo-Markin expressed concern that numerous landlocked countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso remain heavily reliant on coastal neighbors for access to international markets.
Nevertheless, inefficiencies in port operations, infrastructure, and security threats along vital routes like Dakar, Abidjan, Lomé, Tema, and Cotonou make regional trade less competitive.
‘We discuss regional integration, yet the transport links between Ghana and Lagos are still underdeveloped. Modern rail systems are inadequate, and the roads are plagued by inefficiencies, bureaucratic obstacles, and at times, insecurity,’ he remarked.
He emphasized that although Africa has several regional organizations and agreements – including ECOWAS, SADC, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – their effectiveness relies on proactive infrastructure development and the alignment of policies.
Regrettably, the continent’s potential continues to be hindered by high expenses, tariff discrepancies, and inadequate corridor governance. Afenyo-Markin noted that Africa’s internal inefficiencies render it more convenient and economical to engage in trade with Europe or Asia rather than with neighboring nations.
This situation discourages local production, increases dependency, and hampers industrialization.
The Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS urged for a renewed dedication to:
• Streamlining port fees and customs processes
• Investing in cross-border transportation infrastructure
• Promoting regional industrial strategies to mitigate harmful competition
• Encouraging trust and policy alignment across the continent.
He warned that the withdrawal of certain Sahelian nations from ECOWAS further complicates regional trade policy, creating uncertainty regarding free movement, trade regulations, and customs procedures.
“If we fail to establish a fluid, predictable, and cost-efficient regional trade system, we leave our citizens with no alternative but to seek trade opportunities outside of Africa,” he cautioned.
As discussions at the Crans Montana Forum escalated regarding peace, integration, and sustainable development, Afenyo-Markin’s remarks served as a stark reminder of the pressing need to transition from mere rhetoric to tangible reform, particularly in the areas of trade and infrastructure.
