The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has disclosed its readiness to help Ghanaian companies take better advantage of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACFTA) by helping them meet international standards for export.
According to the GSA, Ghanaian companies will be better equipped to compete with their counterparts from other parts of Africa, if they collaborate with bodies such as the GSA.
President Akufo–Addo last month joined 43 other African Heads of states to sign onto the Continental Free Trade Area agreement, which is expected to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent.
In an interview with Citi Business News, the Director General of the GSA, Professor Alex Dodoo, encouraged Ghanaian companies to take advantage by meeting the required standards to export.
“The good news is that the GSA has been chosen by the African Standards Organization as one of the champions of the CFTA. Because we’re a champion, we want Ghanaian companies to meet the standards needed to trade favorably with other companies on the continent. We also want the companies to realize that the CFTA is a huge opportunity”.
He, however, stated that the ultimate responsibility for taking advantage of the CFTA laid with the individual companies.
“The president has done his part, now companies need to show eagerness to trade and make business. The GSA and other bodies are there to facilitate this to ensure that our companies make money. The companies should be reminded that high standards would ensure that they make more money, and also the fact that high standards in the era of the CFTA are not negotiable.”
Professor Alex Dodoo, made the comments on the sidelines of an award ceremony for sponsors of the Made-In-Ghana Street Fair.
The ceremony which was organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry saw companies like the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghacem limited, Ashfoam Limited as well as Goil among others win awards in the Major, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors categories respectively.
The “Made in Ghana” street fair was launched in December last year by the Ministry of Trade & Industry as part of measures to promote domestic trade and enhance the demand for local products.
The Trade Ministry was optimistic the fair would drive Ghanaians to patronize locally made products, but would also advance and facilitate projects from individuals and the private sector.
As part of the street fair, eight ambassadors were selected.
They included Akumaa Mama Zimbi, Emelia Arthur as well as Sherry Thompson. The street fair was on the theme “Buy Ghana Build Ghana”.
–
By: Bobbie Osei/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana