The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana has called on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to maintain its dedication to removing trade barriers that obstruct intra-African commerce among member nations.
The Association pointed out specific infrastructural and logistical issues that deter exporters from considering other African nations as potential markets.
In light of the recent 10% tariff imposed by the U.S. government on exports from all countries, including Ghana, the Association’s President, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamassah, urged the AfCFTA Secretariat to adopt a more proactive stance in addressing these persistent challenges.
“These barriers significantly impede traders and transporters. Conversations with individuals involved in regional trade, particularly within ECOWAS and the wider West African area, reveal the many difficulties they encounter,” Dr. Kamassah stated.
He referenced the situation of onion traders from Niger, who frequently face numerous hurdles during transportation, remarking, “This should not be the case. We aim to enhance trade among ourselves. Why can’t we make more informed decisions and pinpoint critical areas for improvement?”
Dr. Kamassah stressed that exporters are not seeking financial assistance from governments or regional organizations, but rather the establishment of a supportive environment that fosters intra-African trade.
