Ghana has called on the Commonwealth to prioritise the removal of tariffs and trade barriers among its member states to strengthen economic cooperation and boost trade.
Speaking at the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London, held under the theme “The Commonwealth at a Moment of Strategic Opportunity,” Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa urged the organisation to position itself as a strong multilateral bloc that promotes open and fair trade instead of protectionist policies.
According to him, tariffs and other trade barriers continue to limit the free flow of goods and services among member countries, making it harder for the bloc to fully benefit from its economic potential.
“Ghana commends the Commonwealth for the reforms that have been well outlined. We should remove trade barriers and ensure that we enhance our fortunes as we pursue economic diplomacy,” Ablakwa said.
He noted that the Commonwealth has an opportunity to distinguish itself globally by encouraging economic diplomacy and facilitating trade among its members.
“We must present the Commonwealth as a different multilateral organisation that does not believe in tariff wars,” he added.
The minister also highlighted Ghana’s role in continental trade integration, noting that the country hosts the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create the world’s largest free trade area by the number of participating countries.
