The Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Ghana has urged the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to remain committed to eliminating trade barriers that hinder intra-African trade among member countries.
The Association specifically highlighted infrastructural and logistical challenges that discourage exporters from exploring other African countries as viable markets.
Speaking in response to the recent 10% tariff imposed by the U.S. government on exported goods from all countries, including Ghana, the President of the Association, Dr. Felix Mawuli Kamassah, called on the AfCFTA Secretariat to take a more proactive role in resolving these long-standing issues.
“Some of these barriers are serious hindrances to traders and drivers. If you speak to people engaged in regional trade, especially within ECOWAS and the broader West African region, they’ll tell you about the numerous challenges they face,” Dr. Kamassah explained.
He cited the example of onion traders transporting goods from Niger, who often encounter multiple obstacles during transit, adding: “It shouldn’t be like that. We want to promote trade among ourselves. Why can’t we make better decisions and identify key areas to improve?”
Dr. Kamassah emphasized that exporters are not asking for financial handouts from governments or regional bodies, but rather the creation of a conducive environment to support intra-African trade.
