WT/TPR/M/427  
23 September 2022 
(22-7106) Page: 1/34 
Trade Policy Review Body  
21 and 23 June 2022   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
GHANA 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez (Mexico)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .....................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF GHANA  ................................ ..... 4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  6 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  9 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF GHANA AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  .........  24 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  33 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Ghana  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 427/Add.1  and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY R EMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fifth  Trade Policy Review of Ghana was held on 21 and 23  June 2022. The Chairperson, 
H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez (Mexico) welcomed the delegation of Ghana, headed by 
Honourable  Herbert  Krapa, Deputy Minister at the Mini stry of Trade and Industry of Ghana; to the 
WTO; the rest of the delegation; and the discussant, Mr Etienne  Oudot  de Dainville (France).  
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy onli ne connection, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The  Report by  Ghana  is contained in document WT/TPR/G/ 427, and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/ 427. 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Iceland, 
Canada, European  Union, United  States, Singapore, China, and Ja pan. The following delegations 
submitted written questions after the deadline: United  Kingdom, Colombia, and Brazil.  
1.5.  The Chairperson started by recalling some elements of Ghana's previous Review in 2014 and 
developments since then, as well as by identifyin g some key issues arising from the advance written 
questions submitted by Members for th e current  TPR.  
1.6.  At the last Review in 2014, Ghana was commended for its political stability, its strong 
democratic foundations, and improvements of its business environ ment. These assets had 
contributed to attracting substantial foreign investment. With the beginning of crude oil production 
in 2010, they had helped Ghana experience impressive economic growth and social development. 
However, some Members had raised concer ns about, inter alia, Ghana's restrictions on foreign 
investment and new rules to encourage the participation by Ghanaian companies in foreign 
investments.   
1.7.  The Chairperson first focused on Ghana's economic developments since its last Review. 
According to the Secretariat Report, from 2014 to 2016, Ghana had experienced an economic 
slowdown that was related amongst other factors to a domestic banking and energy crisis. From 
2017 to 2019, following a change in government, Ghana's macroeconomic performance had 
improved, and real GDP growth had rebounded to an annual average of 6.9%. Inflation was brought 
under control and the Government's budget situation had improved, thanks to greater fiscal 
discipline.  
1.8.  In 2020, the Ghanaian economy proved to be comparativel y resilient with GDP growth of 0.4%, 
supported by significant fiscal stimulus to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. However, these 
efforts came at the expense of a record fiscal deficit and public debt, which led to a warning from 
the IMF that Ghana is a t high risk of debt distress.   
1.9.  The Secretariat Report also highlights that Ghana  has implemented structural and 
macroeconomic reforms. It has modernized its public procurement regime, amended its intellectual 
property regime, and joined a number of WIPO treaties. For the first time, Ghana has established a 
trade remedies regime. It has entered into bilateral trade agreements with the European  Union and 
the United  Kingdom. However, Ghana has further expanded its local participation and local content 
requirements on foreign investments, particularly in the energy sector including oil, gas, and 
electricity.  
1.10.   As a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ghana has 
started implementing the Common External Tariff (CET). However, the Secretariat Report note s that, 
in addition to the CET, Ghana also applies numerous other duties and charges on imports although 
they were bound at z ero on several products.   
1.11.   Furthermore, the Secretariat Report notes that Ghana is increasingly becoming a net -food 
importer, despite its agricultural potential and large exports of cocoa beans. In response, a new 
agricultural programme called "Planting for  Food and Jobs" was put in place with the view to 
enhancing food security with the help of fertilizer and seed subsidies. The impact of this new policy 
is yet to be assessed.  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  1.12.   The Chairperson noted that, a  survey of the advance written questions submitted f or the 
current  Review indicate d a wide range of topics of interest to Members regarding Ghana's trade and 
investment policies. These include d the impact of and Government response to COVID -19; trade 
facilitation, including customs procedures and the high i ncidence of customs inspections; 
implementation of the ECOWAS  CET; the numerous other duties and charges levied on imports; 
import restrictions on poultry meat; implementation of the government procurement regime; the 
impact of the local participation and local content requirements on attracting foreign investment; 
and Ghana's energy and industrial policies. Several Members also inquired about steps Ghana was 
taking to improve its notification record at the WTO.  
1.13.   In total, Ghana received 189  advance written  questions from 10  delegations for th e Review, 
out of which 7  sent their questions within the established deadline. Prior to th e meeting, Ghana had 
already provided written replies to these questions and the Chairperson was looking to hearing 
Ghana's updat es on these issues during the two -day meeting.  
1.14.   This meeting was a good occasion for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of importance to the multilateral trading system. It was also an opportunity for Ghana 
to inform the Mem bership on the impact of the pandemic on its economy and the measures it ha d 
taken in response. The Chairperson looked forward to a fruitful exchange.  
1.15.   The Chairperson closed his introductory remarks by wishing Ghana a very successful 
fifth Trade Policy Review.  
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF GHANA (HONOURABLE  
HERBERT  KRAPA)  
2.1.  Excellency, Ángel  Villalobos  Rodríguez , Ambassador of Mexico to the WTO and Chairperson of 
the Trade Policy Review Body . Permit me to first and foremost thank you for availing yourself to 
chair this all -important session, which offers Ghana the opportunity to demonstrate, once more, our 
commitment to the multilateral trading system and for that matter, the Trade Policy Review process.  
2.2.  The Ghanaian people view the Review as a valuable and timely peer evaluation mechanism 
capable of complementing government 's efforts at having a trade policy that guarantees inclusive 
growth and development for all.  
2.3.  We are equally indebted to Mr  Etienne Oudot de Dainville , Permanent Representative of France 
to the WTO for graciously accepting to be the discussant for this Review. Excellency, we are most 
grateful. I should also like to express my profound gratitude to Member States here present for 
accepting to be part of t his very important process.   
2.4.  I would also like to congratulate Members of the WTO and the Director -General and staff of the 
Secretariat for coming out of the Twelfth  Ministerial Conference with some success es. As Members 
engaged each other last week on the se premises, stakeholders were convinced that the WTO needed 
to send the strongest signal yet, to the global trading community by concluding agreements that 
were long -overdue. There were times when hope seemed lost, and there were times that victory 
beckon ed. Working together as Members, we managed to do what our stakeholders looked to us 
for, and it is now abundantly clear that trade remains a force for good. The WTO must be empowered 
and well positioned to pursue its mandate as the pre -eminent institution  for global trade 
rule-making.  
2.5.  Since our last  Review, the Government of Ghana has taken bold and prudent steps to ensure 
that sound trade and trade -related policies are implemented to the benefit of the Ghanaian people. 
We have made significant improvements in the management of our macro -economic environment 
albeit with some recent challenges. This is accurately captured by the reports from the Secretariat 
and Government. Notably, Ghana has increased its exports significantly and has over the pas t few 
years recorded some trade surpluses.  
2.6.  In accordance with Government 's Ten Point Industrial Transformation Agenda, efforts have 
been focused on developing new growth poles to lead the structural transformation of the economy, 
encourage domestic proces sing of strategic commodities, expand the country 's export base 
particularly of non -traditional exports, establish industries at the district level, and create jobs for 
the youth, women and vulnerable groups, whilst ensuring the reduction of poverty partic ularly in 
the rural and peri -urban areas.  
2.7.  It has been, and still remains Government 's priority, to achieve more transparent and 
accountable governance whilst focusing on human development in critical areas, such as health and 
education. Government has bee n implementing since 2017, a Free Senior High School Education 
Programme, aimed among others, as a means of offering the underprivileged in society, equal 
economic and social opportunities. These efforts have contributed without doubt to improving the 
standard of living of people during the period under review and will continue to impact many more. 
In fact, until COVID, Ghana was one of the fastest growing economies in the world, growing above 
6% on the average between 2017 and 2019.  
2.8.  Conscious of the import ant role played by agriculture in growing other sectors of developing 
economies in particular, Ghana adopted during the period under review, aggressive agricultural 
programmes such as the Planting for Food and Jobs under which modules such as the Rearing f or 
Food and Jobs and the Planting for Export and Rural Development were implemented. These 
programmes were instrumental in ensuring that the country attained food security whilst also 
ensuring that there was availability of raw materials to feed local indu stries under Government 's 
flagship industrial programme, the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative. They were also key in 
ensuring that the protein needs of key population groups were met.  
2.9.  As a firm believer in the can -do spirit of the African, H .E. Nana Addo Dankwa  Akufo -Addo, 
President of the Republic of Ghana, has been leading the reali zation of a vision of a "Ghana Beyond WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  Aid". It essentially seeks to create the needed awareness for Ghanaians to believe in their ability to 
grow the economy whilst leveraging on the country 's resources including especially its human 
capital. This approach is to whip up local production and consumption whilst internally mobili zing 
the needed domestic investment and revenue to complement the inflow of foreign direct investment.  
2.10.   We have also recently launched the National Export Development Strategy, which seeks to 
increase in a matter of a decade our non-traditional exports earnings from USD 2.8 billion to 
USD 25.3 billion. This is consistent with Government 's desire to make Ghana a major trading hub in 
West Africa and the continent as a whole.  
2.11.   In view of our bold  regional ambitions, Ghana continues to implement trade facilitation 
measures as spelt out in the World Trade Organi zation - Trade Facilitation Agreemen t, with a view 
to deepening transparency and efficiency in customs clearance. The overarching object  is to reduce 
clearance time and the cost of doing business in Ghana.  
2.12.   The continued operation and maintenance of enhanced transit tracking systems for tran sit 
trade has eliminated delays and risks periodically associated with the movement of these goods. In 
furtherance of the commitment to improving ease and reducing the cost of doing business, 
Government has deployed, during the period under review, the use  of non -intrusive cargo scanning 
equipment at the country 's strategic ports, including exit and entry points.  
2.13.   Ghana appreciates the technical assistance received from the WTO through its training and 
capacity -building initiatives, particularly as a number of Government officials have benefited from 
participation in the Geneva -based and regional trade policy courses, as well as national and regional 
workshops. Ghana has equally benefit ed from internships and the Young Professionals Programme 
instituted by th e Secretariat. The Government is indeed grateful for this remarkable assistance that 
is impacting directly the skill sets of our human capital.  
2.14.   More support, in typical Oliver  Twist fashion, would be highly appreciated, to help overcome 
perennial supply -side constraints and enable us take full advantage of market access opportunities 
offered by the multilateral trading system. In this regard, Ghana wishes to reiterate once more, the 
call on the WTO to assist developing countries like Ghana to address their supply -side constraints 
through, in particular the Aid for Trade initiative. Members and trading partners should support 
Ghana's Industrial Transformation Agenda and the National Export Development Strategy for the 
promotion of non -traditional exports.  
2.15.   Ghana currently hosts the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is, as 
you all know, a continental free -trade agreement anchored on the tenets of the WTO. The AfCFTA 
provides Africa with an opportunity to improve on its regional integ ration initiatives as well as 
empower African businesses and SMEs to take advantage of global value chains and other 
market -access opportunities that the multilateral trading system provides. The AfCFTA is a once in 
a lifetime clarion call to action in nee d of all our support.  
2.16.   To conclude,  Mr Chairman  let me thank you once again for graciously availing yourself to chair 
this meeting. I would also like to thank our lead discussant, Mr  Etienne Oudot de Dainville , the 
Permanent Representative of France to the WTO, for accepting the responsibility and ably providing 
us with the appropriate context and food for thought. I also want to thank all Members for the 
support that you continue to provide to Ghana in our que st to maximise the benefits of the 
multilateral trading system. I wish to also thank the staff of the Secretariat and hardworking 
members of the Ghana delegation for the excellent manner that you have worked together to make 
this review session possible.  
2.17.   And finally, permit me to convey to you the warm regards of my Minister, Honourable 
Alan Kyerematen, Minister for Trade and Industry of the Republic Ghana on whose behalf I lead this 
review session.  
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  Let me begin by also welcom ing the delegation of Ghana, headed by Herbert  Krapa, Deputy 
Minister for Trade and Industry.  
3.2.  I would like to thank the delegation of Ghana and the Chair for allowing me the honour of 
serving as discussant for the Trade Policy Review of Ghana today. I appr eciate the importance of 
TPRs. They are a key component of a well -functioning multilateral trading system, as they reinforce 
transparency and ensure the effective implementation of WTO rules.  
3.3.  Before moving to the crux of the matter, I believe it is worth r eminding this body of a few 
salient points in Ghana's history. In 1957, Ghana was the first country in sub -Saharan Africa to gain 
its independence. In the 30  years since the adoption of the 1992 Constitution, Ghana has boasted 
democratic rule and political  stability. Today, it is renowned for its exemplary democracy, its peaceful 
political pluralism, its independent judiciary and the freedom of expression enjoyed by the press. 
Ghana has been a GATT contracting party since 1957 and was a founding Member of t he WTO 
in 1995.  
3.4.  In my statement, I will begin by highlighting the most significant economic developments since 
Ghana's previous TPR in May  2014, before focusing on regional integration and the main questions 
posed by Members.  
3.5.  Ghana has a dynamic economy. W ith a GDP of USD  67 billion in 2020, the country is the second 
largest economy in West Africa, after Nigeria. Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana is the 
second largest cocoa producer in the world and Africa's leading producer of gold. The country ha s 
also exported crude oil for the last decade and has begun natural gas production. This abundance of 
natural resources has a downside, however: the price of raw materials is dependent on international 
markets.  
3.6.  In the period since 2014, the change of Gover nment in 2017 marked the first major turning 
point. The structural reforms that it undertook, through programmes such as "Ghana Beyond Aid", 
allowed it to further industrialize the country, diversify its export base and formalize the informal 
sector. I wou ld like to commend the authorities for their efforts in combating money laundering and 
terrorist financing, which resulted in Ghana's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's "grey 
list". The Government has also been working to clean up the banking s ector through financial 
supervision reforms, such as an increase in capital requirements for local banks and the adoption of 
a stricter supervision framework by the Bank of Ghana. These measures have helped growth more 
than double to an average of nearly 7 % between 2017 and 2019, compared to less than 3% between 
2014 and 2016, all while keeping inflation under control. According to the World  Bank's classification, 
Ghana has transitioned from a low -income to a lower -middle -income economy.  
3.7.  With the COVID -19 outbreak in 2020, Ghana, like everywhere else, experienced a major 
downturn. While Ghana is one of the only countries whose GDP maintained an upward trend, the 
health crisis had a severe impact on its growth, which went from 6.5% in 2019 to 0.4% in 2020. 
The pandemic and the scarcity of some food products have resulted in a surge in inflation, which 
has been steadily growing ever since.  
3.8.  However, the response of the Ghanaian authorities helped stem the spread of the virus and 
alleviate its socio -economic impa ct. Ghana was the first country in the world to receive vaccines 
under the COVAX Facility. More than half of the population is now vaccinated. In February, the 
President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo, took part in the launch of a decentralized 
production network for mRNA -based vaccines in Rwanda, Senegal and Ghana as part of a project 
supported by the EU.  
3.9.  In additional to health expenditure, the State has financed private -sector support programmes, 
such as the "Ghana CARES" plan, which is expected t o cost USD  13 billion over four years. While 
these plans have provided fiscal stimulus in the short term, they were also designed as a lasting 
remedy for the weaknesses highlighted by the crisis, by diversifying agricultural and industrial 
production in or der to reduce dependence on imports, and investing heavily in modernizing sectors, 
such as information and communication technologies. In addition to boosting productivity and 
creating jobs, greater digital inclusion presents opportunities to tackle Ghana' s long -standing WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  problems. The introduction of the tax on electronic payments, for example, will broaden the tax base 
and make tax collection more efficient.  
3.10.   I have no doubt that these ambitious reforms will bear fruit; their initial impact is already 
visible. After a remarkable 4.5% rate of growth in 2021, the World  Bank forecasts a rise to 5.5% 
for 2022, pointing to a strong recovery.  
3.11.   However, as the IMF has recalled, close attention should be paid to the trajectory of public 
debt. Like many other countrie s with increased expenditure and lower revenue after the pandemic, 
Ghana faces a greater challenge in terms of the sustainability of its public debt and the risk of debt 
distress. The deterioration of its fiscal position risks eroding financial market conf idence in Ghanaian 
debt, resulting in the depreciation of the cedi and inflationary pressures, which have already been 
exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. The path taken by the Government in its 2022 budget, with the 
gradual reduction in COVID -related expen diture and the introduction of the e -levy to boost tax 
revenue, is nonetheless heading in the right direction.  
3.12.   I am now coming to the second point of my statement, Ghana's resolute commitment to 
regional economic integration and cooperation.  
3.13.   Ghana has increased its investment in the Economic Community of West African States 
(ECOWAS) and currently holds the chair of its Authority of Heads of State and Government. The 
State has begun to align its policies to those adopted at the regional level. Free movem ent and the 
right of establishment of ECOWAS nationals in Ghana are guaranteed. The Government has also 
implemented the ECOWAS Common External Tariff since 2016. Furthermore, thanks to the help of 
the ECOWAS Commission, joint border posts have been built a t ports in Togo and Côte  d'Ivoire in 
order to facilitate regional trade. However, Ghana's regional trade remains sluggish, likely owing to 
disparities in the implementation of the liberalization scheme within ECOWAS.  
3.14.   The Economic Partnership Agreement sign ed by ECOWAS and the EU in 2014 could help give 
new impetus to regional integration. Unfortunately, it has not yet entered into force as it continues 
to be blocked by one ECOWAS member. Pending the Agreement's entry into force, Ghana signed an 
interim EPA with the EU in 2016. The implementation of the EPA's tariff liberalization elements began 
in the summer of 2021.  
3.15.   At the continental level, Ghana has played an active role in the establishment of the African 
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and has host ed its Secretariat in Accra since 2020. The  42 
countries that have ratified the treaty, including Ghana, began trading under this framework 
on 1 January  2021.  
3.16.   As a delegate of a European  Union  member State, I can only encourage you to follow the path 
towar d regional economic integration, a driver of peace and prosperity through the strengthening of 
trade and the progressive establishment of a large internal market. To quote President Nkrumah, 
one of the fathers of pan -Africanism: "Divided we are weak; unite d, Africa could become one of the 
greatest forces for good in the world".  
3.17.   To conclude, I would like to focus in particular on a number points raised by WTO Members, 
in more than 190  questions.  
3.18.   Regarding our activities here at the WTO, I would especially li ke to congratulate Ghana for its 
exemplary implementation of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, which it ratified in 2017. The 
State has since simplified its import procedures by reducing the number of inspecting agencies to 
three. In 2020, the Governmen t also launched a new paperless customs management system and 
a single window at the border. It has now been deployed at over 150  seaports, airports and land 
borders.  
3.19.   Ghana's commitment to the WTO's work is greatly appreciated by the Members, which invited  
Ghana to join the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement, given the considerable 
increase in procurement by the State.  
3.20.   However, our colleagues have expressed a number of concerns, which I should relay. Ghana 
has built up a considerable backlog o f notifications pending submission, which it has been unable to WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  clear since its previous TPR. I understand that this transparency mechanism can be burdensome for 
developing countries, but it is nevertheless essential for the functioning of this Organizatio n. 
Accordingly, I encourage Ghana to avail itself of the technical assistance provided by the Secretariat.  
3.21.   Moreover, the complexity of Ghana's tariff structure, an issue that was raised in 2014, is a 
perennial source of concern. It would be useful to have information during the TPR to clarify the 
situation for foreign firms. In addition, the number of taxes and levies on imports has grown since 
the last Review.  
3.22.   Although foreign investment is generally welcome in Ghana, the Government has introduced 
new requ irements for Ghanaian equity participation in the energy and mining sectors. These 
requirements have caused concern among Members and could slow foreign investment. I would like 
to draw Ghana's attention to the potentially counterproductive nature of such measures, as all the 
while the Government is seeking to promote renewable energy.  
3.23.   Before concluding, I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat and the Trade Policy Review 
Body (TPRB) for the important work that they have carried out under difficult conditi ons since the 
start of the pandemic. Without them, TPRs would lose much of their relevance and utility.  
3.24.   I hope for an enriching and constructive discussion and I look forward to the exchanges to 
come.  
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
ICELAND  
4.1.  It is with pleasure tha t Iceland welcomes the distinguished delegation of Ghana  led by Deputy 
Minister Herbert  Krapa - to their Trade Policy Review today. We also express appreciation to the 
WTO Secretariat and to Ghana for the reports prepared, as well as to the discussant – Mr Etienne 
Oudot de Dainville - for the excellent framing of the issues for our discussion today.  
4.2.  Iceland welcomes action s taken by the Government of Ghana to mitigate the negative economic 
and social impacts of COVID -19. These measures have included extensive budgetary outlays. While 
the post -pandemic economic resumption will require fiscal discipline - it is important that  relevant 
policies, including trade policy, be designed to incentivise inclusive growth that actively benefits all 
sections of Ghanaian society.  
4.3.  It is now widely recognized that the economic and trade impacts of the pandemic have had a 
disproportionately a dverse impact on women. This is a pattern that sadly applies to many calamities 
of our times.  
4.4.  A relevant example is the deplorable military aggression of the Russia n Federation  against 
Ukraine, which has compounded the economic vulnerabilities of Ukrainia n women. And according to 
Oxfam – women in developing countries will bear the brunt of the looming food crises which has 
been exacerbated by this conflict.  
4.5.  It is therefore important to address women 's economic empowerment at the WTO. Doing so 
will benefit economies in concrete ways by positively affecting trade and contributing to increased 
economic growth. Many indicators also point towards a positive contribution of increased gender 
equality within economies to sustainable peace and stability.  
4.6.  The WTO can  contribute to improved women 's economic empowerment through discussions 
and information sharing on targeted gender -based trade policies and programs. Iceland, as one of 
the Co -Chairs of the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, invites Ghana to cont ribute and 
participate in its deliberations – which are open to the whole WTO Membership.  
4.7.  Improved data collection and gender -based analysis are crucial ingredients for developing 
gender -based trade policies. So is the sharing of best practices of respecti ve experiences relating to 
those policies and programs.   
4.8.  In the spirit of supporting relevant data gathering in this field, Iceland has submitted in advance 
written questions on the participation of women in the economy of Ghana. We welcome the replies 
as the answers will be useful in gathering best practices in the promotion of gender -equality within 
trade.  
4.9.  Iceland appreciates Ghana 's active engagement in the WTO and their continued support for the 
multilateral trading system. We wish the delegation of Gh ana every success in their Trade Policy 
Review.  
CANADA  
4.10.   Canada joins other WTO Members in welcoming the members of the delegation from the 
Republic of Ghana. We are pleased to participate in this fifth  Trade Policy Review of Ghana, and 
thank the Government of Ghana and the Secretariat for their high quality reports.  
4.11.   First of all, I would like to congratulate Ghana for its efforts to minimize the negative impacts 
of the COVID -19 pandemic on its economy through the implementation of the Ghana COVID -19 
Alleviation and Revitalization of Enterprises Support (Ghana CARES) programme. Canada stands 
ready to cooperate with Ghana to rebuild a more inclusive and sustainable global economy as we 
recover from the economic repercussions of the COVID -19 pandemic.   
4.12.   Canada supports Ghana 's openness to trade and investment, as evidenced by its generally 
liberal trade regime, strong democratic institutions and good governance, which have contributed to WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  attracting foreign investment and driving economic growth. I was p leased to note the numerous 
efforts of the Ghanaian Government towards freer trade and liberal economic reforms. For example, 
I congratulate Ghana on the implementation of the Integrated Customs Management System, aimed 
at increasing efficiency, and reduci ng cost and time of doing business.  
4.13.   That said, I noted Ghana 's new restrictions on foreign investments in the energy and mining 
sectors that were adopted during the review period. Canada and Ghana have a strong collaboration 
in the mining sector, and a so und regulatory environment is important to continue to foster a 
productive relationship. As such, Canada encourages Ghana to further strengthen investor 
confidence, and pursue efforts to facilitate and promote foreign investment in the next review period, 
which I understand is a government priority.  
4.14.   Canada also encourages Ghana to pursue efforts to further diversify its economy to promote 
economic growth. Canada supports the export development and diversification strategy developed 
by the Ghana Export Prom otion Authority as a step in the right direction that will ultimately benefit 
the citizens of Ghana and bring them increased prosperity. Canada recognizes Ghana 's confidence 
in the Multilateral Trading System and supports its efforts to continue to take st eps to ensure the 
WTO-consistency of policies and to contribute to the ongoing work of the WTO. In this sense, I would 
encourage Ghana to submit outstanding notifications, notably at the WTO Committee on Agriculture, 
as transparency is a very important par t of being a WTO Member. It helps all Members inform their 
stakeholders about the policies of trading partners and allows us to better understand the particular 
circumstances and needs of each Member. I also take this opportunity to encourage Ghana to enga ge 
in the work of the informal working group on gender and to join the Trade and Environmental 
Sustainability Structured Discussions. I encourage them also to consider joining the joint statement 
initiatives on services domestic regulation, e -commerce , and micro, small and medium -sized 
enterprises.  
4.15.   In conclusion, I look forward to continue working with Ghana to strengthen the WTO and the 
multilateral trading system, and offer my best wishes to the Ghanaian delegation for a productive 
Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.16.   I would first like to welcome the delegation of Ghana led by Honourable Herbert  Krapa, Deputy 
Minister of Trade and Industry. I would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government 
of Ghana for their reports and extend our apprecia tion to the discussant, Mr  Etienne Oudot 
de Dainville from France for introducing us to Ghana's Trade Policy Review today.  
4.17.   Since the last Ghana TPR in 2014, Ghana has pursued a growth strategy that has led to 
impressive improvements in Ghana's economy notably when looking at income per  capita or the 
Human Development Index.  
4.18.   In 2018, the Ghanaian President Mr  Nana Akufo -Addo launched the "Ghana Beyond Aid " that 
aims to transform the structure of the economy from dependence on production and expor t of raw 
materials to a value -added industriali zed economy, driven primarily by the private sector. Under his 
leadership, Ghana continues to position itself as a beacon of stability and democracy in West Africa, 
and indeed, on the continent at large. This is highly appreciated by the EU.  
4.19.   According to the Secretariat Report, over the review period, Ghana experienced modest to 
strong economic growth, with macroeconomic performance improving in 2017 to 2019. In 2020, the 
economy held up comparatively well, des pite the worldwide COVID -19 related lockdowns, closures 
of borders and impact on businesses. To help mitigate the impact of the pandemic, the Government 
adopted several measures aimed at supporting vulnerable households and businesses. The EU notes 
that su ch mitigation efforts came at the expense of record fiscal deficit and public debt that led the 
IMF to warn Ghana last year that it was at high risk of debt distress.  
4.20.   The EU remains Ghana 's main trade and investment partner. Ghana and the EU have signed 
and ratified an interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in 
December  2016. The EU is committed to strengthen its trade partnership with Ghana, to provide a 
solid, stable , and transparent framework for increased, sustainable trad e and investment. In this WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  context, the EU commends Ghana 's commitment to work towards ensuring the sustainability of 
cocoa production – this being a very important component of our bilateral trade.  
4.21.   EU-Ghana cooperation is vast and goes beyond trade. The EU  has been a reliable development 
cooperation partner for Ghana. EU development assistance to Ghana amounted to EUR 323 million  
over the period 2014 -2020, covering governance, productive investment for agriculture, 
employment, and measures in favour of the civil society, and support to the private sector, in 
particular the MSMEs – whose development constitutes a base for the growing exports base.  
4.22.   The EU encourages Ghana, as current ECOWAS Chair, to consolidate regional integration by 
lowering further the bar riers to the free movement of goods and services in the region. Since 
January, Ghana has taken a 2 -year non -permanent member seat at the UNSC, where it has played 
its rightful role in condemning the Russian  Federation's  invasion of Ukraine and voted positi vely for 
the UN General Assembly resolution of 2  March. This is much appreciated by the EU.  
4.23.   Ghana is signatory and host to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose 
objectives are to create a single market for goods, services, facilitated by movement of persons, in 
order to deepen the economic integration of the African continent and lay the foundation for the 
establishment of a Continental Customs Union at a later stage. The EU is ready to work closely with 
Ghana to ensure that the private se ctor takes advantage of the implementation of the AfCFTA and 
the interim EPA with the EU.  
4.24.   The Secretariat reports that business climate remains challenging for foreign investors in 
Ghana. There is a strong need to improve and strengthen an enabling environ ment for attracting 
private sector investment in many sectors. In particular, lack of transparency in taxation and custom 
procedures and high logistic costs reduce the attractiveness of the country as platform for operations 
in West Africa. Concerns have b een raised over the local content policies adopted by the Government 
in many areas including strategic sectors such as petrol downstream distribution, maritime and 
logistic services.  
4.25.   The EU has submitted written questions in advance, and would welcome clarification, notably 
on: 
• The Ghana 's investment code.  
• The review of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, notably the minimum 
capital requirements for joint ventures with a Ghanaian partner, which are currently high 
and may act as dis incentive against attracting more foreign investment.  
• The Government plan to review the system of tax collection.  
• The obstacle to trade caused by the Ghanaian customs practices and port infrastructure.  
4.26.   The EU strongly hopes that this review exercise will h elp Ghana in defining the policy 
orientations and measures to reach the country 's potential.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.27.   The United  States would like to warmly welcome the Ghana delegation and  compliment the 
Government of Ghana on its Report for its fifth  Trade Policy R eview.   
4.28.   I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Ghana 's 30 years of uninterrupted 
democratic rule and political stability, which, as the Secretariat Report notes, has contributed to the 
country 's remarkable economic and social progress.  
4.29.   Ghana is a strong partner and close friend of the United  States and has historically served as 
one of the economic and democratic drivers for West  Africa.   
4.30.   The US Government recognizes Ghan a's continued efforts to improve the private sector 's 
ability to fu lly participate in international trade and implement its WTO commitments. Over the past 
five years, the US Government has partnered with Ghana to administer over USD 15 million towards WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  building trade capacity. For example, that cooperation includes technical assistance to implement 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement. USAID has also administered direct partnerships to 10  businesses 
in Ghana through the West  Africa Trade and Investment Hub. Those businesses are expected to 
collectively leverage USD 70 million in investment, create over 25,000  jobs, and stimulate over 
USD 200 million in exports, many through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). In fact, 
Ghana is among the top five leading beneficiaries of AGOA, with exports to the US totalling  
USD 324.4  million, up from USD 136.2  million in 2020.  
4.31.   Furthermore, we anticipate that several new USAID trade capacity -building programs will 
deliver meaningful results over the next five years.  The Prosper Africa Trade and Investment Activity 
will accelera te business partnership development; help businesses export through AGOA; and help 
the Accra -based Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement Secretariat stimulate trade and investment 
throughout the continent. USAID will also facilitate finance for agribusin esses in Ghana so that these 
businesses can create jobs, improve their competitiveness, and stimulate exports.  
4.32.   Although Ghana has made great strides in improving the business environment, there remains 
room for improvement with respect  to Ghana 's approach  to WTO implementation. We understand 
Ghana has not yet submitted many notifications as per various WTO Agreement obligations. Ghana 
has outstanding notifications to the Agreements on: Agriculture, Trade -Related Investment 
Measures, Subsidies, Technical Ba rriers to Trade, Import Licensing Procedures and Customs 
Valuation. The gaps in Ghana 's notification rate remain significant, and we are eager to learn more 
about the challenges that have so far prevented Ghana from making requisite notifications.  
4.33.   On othe r issues, the United  States is concerned that Ghana collects extraneous duties and 
charges on imports in addition to the customs tariff. The cumulative effect of these taxes, duties and 
charges substantially increases the cost of trading for both importers  and exporters.  
4.34.   The United  States is also concerned with Ghana 's expansion of its policy to impose full import 
bans on certain pharmaceuticals. We welcome Ghana 's explanation behind these measures as there 
has been a significant increase in the number of products affected from 14 to 49.  
4.35.   We have also heard from US industry that Ghana may not be adopting international standards 
in the automotive safety sector. We are interested in Ghana 's clarification on its interpretation of 
"equivalent standards " and wha t provisions were made to allow for those standards.  
4.36.   The United  States encourages Ghana to become more active in the WTO Committee on Trade 
Facilitation and to share its national experiences as part of its ongoing efforts to build national 
capacity among i ts technical agencies. We invite Ghana to make its technical assistance needs known 
to the Trade Facilitation Committee to ensure donors are fully aware of its needs.   
4.37.   Finally, the United  States would like to note that 35 WTO Members participated in the WT O 
Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) as observers, including Côte  d'Ivoire  and Cameroon. 
We highly encourage Ghana to also join as an observer.  
4.38.   In closing, we look forward to continued work with Ghana, both bilaterally and within the 
WTO. I would like to emphasize that Ghana is one of our most important trading partners in Africa 
and is also among the leading economic reformers in the region. The United  States greatly 
appreciates the opportunity to participate in this review of Ghana 's trade policy regime and looks 
forward to continuing our dialogue with your Government.  
SINGAPORE  
4.39.   Allow me to begin by extending a very warm welcome to the delegation from Ghana, led by 
Mr Herbert  Krapa, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Sing apore would like to 
express our appreciation to Ghana for its comprehensive government Report and statement. We 
would also like to thank the Chair Ambassador Ángel  Villalobos (Mexico), discussant Ambassador 
Etienne  Oudot de Dainville (France), and the Secr etariat for your valuable insights. Let me make 
three points.  
4.40.   First, we look forward to further expand Singapore 's economic cooperation with Ghana. 
Despite the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, Ghana was Singapore 's sixth largest trading partner WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  in Sub -Saharan Africa in 2021. Bilateral trade in goods amounted to US D 181 million in 2021, while 
trade in services reached US D 479 million in 2020. Singapore companies are active in a wide range 
of areas of business in Ghana, including agri -business, information c ommunications and 
technology  (ICT), oil and gas, hospitality, and urban solutions. We commend Ghana 's pursuit of 
inclusive and sustainable economic growth and look forward to pursue closer partnerships in new 
areas such as the green and digital economy. Gi ven its political stability and the widespread use of 
English as a working language, Ghana is well positioned as a gate -way for Singapore companies to 
access West Africa. Hence, Enterprise Singapore established an Overseas Centre in Accra in 
July 2013, as a launchpad for the expansion of Singapore companies in Africa.  
4.41.   Second, we commend Ghana 's ongoing efforts to pursue economic diversification, in order to 
reduce its dependence on agriculture and move towards manufacturing, ICT, financial services, oil 
and gas, and urban planning. We have posed several questions in writing to Ghana, including on its 
policies on foreign investments, and its manufacturing sectors. We look forward to receiving answers 
from Ghana on any schemes or waivers that it could provide  to attract investments in these priority 
areas, and the specific development plans for the light manufacturing, ICT, digital economy, green 
economy, and automotive assembly sectors.  
4.42.   Third, we welcome Ghana 's commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system and 
its active engagement in the WTO. We encourage Ghana to submit the relevant notifications on 
subsidies flagged by the Secretariat to the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on 
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. W e also urge Ghana to participate in the Joint Statement 
Initiatives that have been launched by WTO Members. We note that Ghana had ratified the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation in 2017, and encourage Ghana to consider acceding to the 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), especially given the steady increase in its public 
procurement to develop its national infrastructure.  
4.43.   In closing, Singapore looks forward to working closely with Chargé d 'Affaires Mrs  Akosua 
Okyere -Badoo and the Permanent Mission of Ghana  in Geneva to further strengthen the WTO. I wish 
Ghana every success for its fifth  TPR. 
CHINA  
4.44.   China would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Ghana, led by Deputy Minister 
H.E. Mr  Herbert  Krapa, and appreciates the Government of Ghana and th e WTO Secretariat for the 
preparation of the Reports. China would also like  to express  its gratitude to the discussant 
Ambassador Etienne Oudot de Dainville for his insightful remarks.  
4.45.   Ghana has achieved a positive economic performance over the review peri od, with a strong 
GDP growth despite the worldwide COVID -19 related lock downs, closure of business and borders. 
The ranking of Ghana by the World  Bank has been improved with a per capita growth of USD  200 
from 2014 to 2020 . Ghana has experienced a remarka ble enhancement of  its trad e in services , 
benefiting from the reform measures in the banking sector and strong disinflationary policies  
undertaken between  2017 and 2019. Hopefully, the GDP growth  rate will keep growing with the 
development of the service s sector, as well as the measures to improve the  business climate and 
attract investment in other sectors.  
4.46.   China  appreciates Ghana's continu ous support of the rules -based multilateral trading  system. 
Ghana  is one of the original Members  of the WTO and  is among those who have ratified the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement  in Africa . Ghana has also adopted to trade  remedies legislation and tr ied to 
fulfil relevant notification  obligations since the last Review. China not ices that, as a member of ACP 
and African Group, Ghana has a strong willingness to promoting the  functioning of the  multilateral 
trading  system that deliver s pro-development outcomes , by supporting the negotiations and 
conclusion of the trad e and health agreement as  response to the pandemic,  and urg ing Members to 
conclude an Agreement on Fisheries  Subsidies , as well as expedit e trade reforms of WTO . With 
efforts devoted by all Members including Ghana, we finally made it  happen last week with a 
successful MC12.  
4.47.   China  values the bilateral trade relations with Ghana. Trade between the two countries is  
developing rapidly . In 2019, the bilateral trade volume between China and Ghana reached 
USD 7.46 billion recording a year -on-year growth of  2.9%. China's  exports to Ghana reached WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  USD 4.9 billion  marking a  year-on-year increase of 1.9%. The exp orts from G hana to China  
expanded steadily from USD 0.84 billion  in 2014  to USD 2.8 billion in 2019 , mainly  of crude 
petroleum and manganese.  China has become an important source for foreign investment in Ghana , 
as China's investment projects in Ghana continue to grow and cover a wide range of fields . We look 
forward to further strengthening cooperation with  Ghana in the coming years.  
4.48.   As the Report s have pointed out, Ghana has also faced certain challenges . Over the review 
period, Ghana still has recorded fiscal deficit and public debt to the detriment of economic  
stabilization. The unprecedented impact imposed by COVID -19 led to the s uspension of the fiscal 
responsibility rules . Ghana has made progress in undertaking reforms  to overcome these challenges, 
includin g pursuing medium -term debt strategy . China appreciates Ghana's  commitment to the 
agenda of trade liberalization and domestic competitiveness . We remain committed to working 
closely with Ghana in all areas , both bilaterally and multilaterally . 
4.49.   In this review, China submitted questions notably  with regard to the policy  of intellectual 
property protection ; import  and export taxes on certain products ; laws and regulations related to 
airline business ; import  prohibitions on environmental ground ; etc.  
4.50.   We would like to thank the delegation of Ghana in advance for their respo nses to our questions 
and wish Ghana  a successful Trade P olicy Review . 
JAPAN  
4.51.   Japan would like to welcome the delegation of Ghana, headed by Hon  Honourable 
Herbert  Krapa, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Japan would also like to thank 
the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Ghana for their reports submitted for this review 
process, and the discussant, Mr  Etienne  Oudot de Dainville , Permanent R epresentative of France, 
for his insightful remarks.  
4.52.   We are pleased to note that Ghana has achieved economic growth since the last Review 
in 2014 by maintaining a free and open market. However, since the outbreak of the COVID -19 
pandemic, while record fisc al stimulus has averted a sharp economic decline, as the IMF has pointed 
out, government debt is at high risk as a result. Nevertheless, Japan expects Ghana's economic 
growth to continue through the development of its business and investment environment, a nd 
improvement of its financial situation.  
4.53.   With respect to our bilateral relationship, we are pleased to say that Japan and Ghana have 
developed a friendly and cooperative relationship over a long period of time. On trade and 
investment, we recognize and v alue that Ghana is a hub for the Economic Community of West African 
States (ECOWAS). In addition, following the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade 
Area (AfCFTA) secretariat in Ghana in August  2020, Japanese companies have been steadily 
expanding their operations in the region. Notably, the opening ceremony of Japan External Trade 
Organization (JETRO) was held in Ghana in November  2021. In order for Japanese companies to 
further expand their businesses, it is essential for Ghana to develop a  stable and predictable 
investment environment that also covers tax regime. Bearing this in mind, Japan will continue to 
support the promotion of further investment in the African region as well as in Ghana. At the same 
time, we expect Ghana to further imp rove its business and investment environment. In August this 
year, Japan will co -host the eighth  Tokyo International Conference on African Development 
(TICAD  8), and we hope that the discussions will contribute to the revitalization of the Ghanaian 
economy . 
4.54.   With respect to the discussions at the WTO, as an original Member of the WTO since its 
establishment, Japan expects Ghana to make further efforts to proactively engage in the multilateral 
trading system with the WTO at its core.  
4.55.   Finally, we highly appre ciate Ghana 's current efforts to diversify its economy through the 
modernization and industrialization of agriculture under its economic policy "Ghana Beyond Aid", 
envisioned by President Akufo -Addo. To promote these efforts, Japan would like to continue t o 
support Ghana in its socio -economic development efforts in areas such as high -quality infrastructure, 
the strengthening of industrial development including agriculture, and health and human resource 
development.  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  4.56.   Last but not least, we wish the delegation  of Ghana a very successful and fruitful Trade Policy 
Review.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.57.   On behalf of Her  Majesty 's Government, I am pleased to welcome the delegation of Ghana, 
represented by His  Excellency, the Honourable  Herbert  Krapa, Deputy Minister at the Ministr y of 
Trade and Industry of Ghana to this, Ghana 's fifth Trade Policy Review.  
4.58.   The United  Kingdom is grateful to the Government of Ghana and to colleagues from the WTO 
Secretariat for producing their respective reports. I wish also to expresses our thanks to the Chair, 
H.E. Mr Ángel  Villalobos Rodr íguez, Ambassador of Mexico, and our discussant, H .E. Mr Etienne  
Oudot de Dainville, Ambassador of France, for ably facilitating this review and for their reflections.   
4.59.   At the outset, the United  Kingdom wis hes to reiterate our ongoing support for the Trade Policy 
Review Mechanism. It is important to underline the continued value of this important transparency 
exercise. Engaging in good faith with WTO transparency and notification obligations – such as TPRs  – 
ensures the ongoing integrity of the rules -based Multilateral Trading System. This assists all 
Members to gain the greatest benefit from their WTO Membership, regardless of their individual 
resources.  
4.60.   Ghana is a key partner for the United  Kingdom. Trade b etween our economies grew by 9% 
in 2021 (compared to 2020), which indicates a positive post COVID -19 pandemic recovery of our 
trading relations. The pandemic has underscored the importance of the WTO and rules-based 
multilateral trading system in addressin g the biggest issues of our time. As such, the UK commends 
Ghana 's response to the pandemic and implementation of policies to cope with its subsequent 
socio-economic impacts.  
4.61.   The United  Kingdom was glad to recently host the UK -Ghana Business Council, a gov ernment 
forum which we have been jointly running since 2018. We look forward to further deepening our 
trade ties, building on the foundations of the UK -Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement. The UK 
prioritises a fully operational agreement and looks forward to  making swift progress on the remaining 
areas to fully establish the agreement.  
4.62.   Ghana has strengthened its role in the region and across the continent, hosting and 
championing the AfCFTA Secretariat, which demonstrates its commitment to boosting intra -African 
trade, promoting peace and prosperity. The UK commends Ghana 's efforts to further lower barriers 
to trade across the continent and in supporting African countries in their post -pandemic recovery.  
4.63.   With regards to this Trade Policy Review, and since the previous TPR in 2014, Ghana has 
committed to implementing its WTO Membership obligations by ratifying the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. We thank Ghana for their inspiring report on the successes of th eir Single Trade Window 
implementation at the Trade Facilitation Committee, and we look forward to sharing the stage with 
them at the event which celebrates the TFA 's five-year anniversary next week.  
4.64.   In addition, during the review period, Ghana 's governme nt procurement regime underwent 
numerous positive developments, including introducing e -procurement and assigning sustainable 
public procurement as a government priority. The UK recommends that Ghana now moves forward 
with its accession to the WTO Agreemen t on Government Procurement to improve the openness of 
its government procurement regime.  
4.65.   The UK are supporters of, and investors in, Ghana 's sustainable and inclusive development. 
In our advanced written questions, we stressed two additional issues cruci al to double -down their 
efforts and opportunities on these. Firstly, on the share of exports of unprocessed commodities, 
which has unfortunately increased over the review period, rather than declined in line with Ghana 's 
commitment to diversify exports and  boost manufacturing capabilities. And secondly, on the 
importance of facilitating trade and investment, including through the unfortunate continued need 
for physical inspections at the port, despite the introduction of the Integrated Customs Management 
System.  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  4.66.   Through the Ghanaian Government 's 10-Point Industrial Transformation Agenda, Ghana is 
undertaking important legislative and regulatory changes to pursue industriali zation as well as 
facilitate trade and investment. We are supportive of these. Given Ghana 's commitment to 
liberali zation and desire to foster a transparent and efficient business environment (through 
initiatives such as the Business Regulatory Reform Programme), the UK encourages Ghana to take 
measures to reduce practices such as minimum investment requirements for foreign investment and 
high customs duties. The levies implemented to address the fiscal burden of the pandemic response 
could prove contrary to these aims. The United  Kingdom looks forward to the continued work on this 
agenda a nd progress in these areas.  
4.67.   It is the United  Kingdom 's view that Ghana should take measures to further reduce the 
significant stake of SOEs ( state-owned enterprises) in key sectors of its economy. We note that over 
the review period, few SOEs were closed or privatised, despite the inefficiencies identified at the 
previous Review. We believe that addressing these issues will help to promote inclusive and 
sustainable economic growth and attract greater activity and investment amongst the private 
sectors.  
4.68.   Relatedly, the UK endorses Ghana 's National Export Development Strategy, which ambitiously 
seeks to transform Ghana from a commodity exporter to an industriali zed export led economy. 
The UK encourages Ghana to ensure that the various ministries and agencies i nvolved have a clear 
strategy offering cohesive trade and investment incentives to make it simpler for business.  
4.69.   More broadly at the WTO, the UK greatly appreciates Ghana 's continued support for the WTO 
and particularly for the multilateral outcomes we col lectively achieved at MC12, including the Trade 
and Health Initiative. As the Ministerial Outcome Document clearly demonstrates, climate change 
and the environment represent critical  issue which we must work in concert on. The UK would 
welcome Ghana 's addi tional participation in the three  environmental initiatives at the WTO, namely: 
(1) the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Dialogue ; (2) the Informal Dialogue on 
Plastic Pollution and Sustainable Plastics Trade ; and (3) Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform. These important 
initiatives are helping to position trade as part of the solution to our shared global challenges.  
4.70.   In conclusion, the United  Kingdom commends Ghana for the positive changes it has made to 
its trade policy since its last revi ew, which have resulted in a more open and liberal economy that 
welcomes and values foreign participation. The UK welcomes Ghana 's intent to build on these 
positive developments and hopes they will positively consider Members ' suggestions to achieve its 
goals for further economic development. We wish them a fruitful f ifth Trade Policy Review.  
COLOMBIA  
4.71.   We would like to extend our warm greetings to the delegation of Ghana, headed by Deputy 
Minister for Trade and Industry , Herbert  Krapa ; the Permanent Represen tative of Ghana, Akosua 
Okyere -Badoo; and our friends and colleagues.  
4.72.   We also commend the Permanent Representative of France to the WTO, Etienne Oudot 
de Dainville, for his detailed analysis and comments as the discussant, as well as the WTO 
Secretariat an d the Ghanaian authorities for their work in preparing the reports for this Trade Policy 
Review.  
4.73.   We would also like to thank Ghana for its readiness to respond to Colombia's questions as 
part of this exercise. The questions cover a very broad range of topi cs, from customs procedures 
and valuation, fiscal policy and trade remedies, to intellectual property measures and the 
implementation of an industrial transformation policy.  
4.74.   Colombia and Ghana established diplomatic relations several decades ago and we sha re many 
socio-cultural and economic features. Like us, Ghana is a producer and worldwide exporter of food, 
and cocoa is one of its leading products. Similarly, mining plays a relatively important role in both 
Colombia and Ghana. The exchange of best practi ces in this area should be ongoing to allow a more 
sustainable exploitation of our resources.  
4.75.   Ghana is also an advocate of integration through trade, as reflected by the fact that it 
participates in major forums such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with which it holds c onsultations on 
WTO-related matters. It also signed bilateral trade agreements with the European  Union (the 
Economic Partnership Agreement) in 2016 and the United  Kingdom in 2021.  
4.76.   As an ECOWAS member, Ghana has implemented the Common External Tariff (CET) since 
1 February  2016 with national exceptions as per regional provisions. However, Ghana has been slow 
in incorporating and implementing subsidiary ECOWAS legislation.  
4.77.   Ghana is an active participant in the WTO, often as part of the groups to which it belo ngs, 
including the ACP Group and the African Group. As we all know, the discussions held at the Twelfth 
Ministerial Conference (MC12) were of great importance for all Members and addressed sensitive 
issues for countries that share Ghana's and Colombia's pr oduction matrix. We hope to continue 
building effective and stable bridges that produce real solutions for all Members equally. In addition, 
the country has been a firm defender of an agreement that seeks to limit and reduce the use of 
distorting subsidies  in agriculture and fisheries, a matter on which it is closely associated with 
Colombia.  
4.78.   In this vein, we recognize Ghana's commitment to the multilateral trading system and its 
founding principles. We also recognize and appreciate its active participation  in the ongoing 
negotiations and the functioning of the regular bodies.  
4.79.   Although trade relations between Colombia and Ghana are not extensive, they are important. 
Colombia's main exports to Ghana include pumps for liquids, cane sugar, confectionery, bakery  
products and agricultural tools, while its biggest imports from Ghana are unwrought lead, tuna, 
sheets for veneering and cocoa powder. We therefore have some way to go in enhancing our trade 
relations with this important country.  
4.80.   Ghana's recent meetings w ith Colombia have led to various cooperation agreements, including 
the Cooperation Agreement on preventing the use of illicit drugs and combating trafficking of 
psychotropic substances, chemical precursors and related offences, and the Memorandum of 
Unders tanding between the Colombian Institute for Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Youth and 
Sports of Ghana, signed in October  2015. These are a reflection of the dynamics of our relationship.  
4.81.   To conclude, I would like to point out that this Organization ha s received a clear mandate 
from its Members to continue its important work, as MC12 showed. We commend Ghana and all 
Members for their role in resolving the issues raised during this successful Ministerial Conference 
and we support efforts to continue stre ngthening multilateralism as a tool of understanding and 
cooperation.  
4.82.   I would like to finish by wishing Ghana and its delegation every success in its Trade Policy 
Review. We extend our warm appreciation to the team in Geneva for the cooperative relationshi p 
between our two Missions and reiterate our ongoing support for the work of the Ghanaian delegation 
in Geneva.  
BRAZIL  
4.83.   Brazil would like to thank the Government of Ghana and the Ghanaian Mission to the WTO, in 
the figure of Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Trade and Industry H.E. Herbert  Krapa , for engaging 
in Ghana 's fifth  Trade Policy Review and providing Members with a transparent overview of the 
country 's economic performance and adherence to the multilateral trading system.  
4.84.   We would like to express our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat for its thorough and 
comprehensive report, as well as to the Chair, Ambassador Ángel  Villalobos  Rodríguez (Mexic o), and 
the discussant, Ambassador Etienne  Oudot de Dainville (France), for their contribution to this crucial 
exercise on transparency.  
4.85.   Ghana is a major trade partner of Brazil in Africa. Trade flows between Brazil and Ghana 
increased by more than half b etween 2020 and 2021. We are proud to supply Ghana with vital 
products for their economy and their food security, such as poultry meat, sugar , and agriculture 
machinery. Meanwhile, Ghana is an important source of inputs for our food industry, especially wi th WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  their world -famous  cacao. Investment is another relevant area of our relationship, especially in the 
construction and agriculture sectors.  
4.86.   In both trade and investment, Brazil wants to build upon our current partnership with Ghana 
and fulfil our potent ial to go even further. We see a broad range of opportunities that we have yet 
to harness, especially in the construction and car industries.  
4.87.   We also have a specific interest to expand our role as a trustworthy supplier of food to 
consumers in Ghana. In th is sense, we would like to have a better understanding of the process and 
the criteria to obtain import permits regarding poultry meat. We count on the cooperation of the 
Ghanaian authorities to strengthen our economic partnership.  
4.88.   Throughout the review pe riod, Ghana has been an example of fiscal discipline and 
macroeconomic stability. The COVID -19 crisis had a major impact on the world, but Ghana showed 
remarkable resiliency and avoided a recession. We are glad to receive indication that their economy 
has bounced back in 2021.  
4.89.   Let me conclude, by wishing Ghana a very successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.90.   Mauritius is honoured to participate in this fifth Trade Policy Review Ghana. We extend a warm 
welcome to the delegation from Ghana led by the Honourable Herbert  Krapa, Deputy Minister of 
Trade and Industry of Ghana.  
4.91.   We congratulate the Secretariat and the Government of Ghana for completing the Trade Policy 
Review exercise in compliance with its commitments to the World Trade Organi zation.  
4.92.   We also thank H.E.  Mr Etienne  Oudot de Dainville, Permanent Representative of France for 
his insightful remarks as discussant for this TPR.  
4.93.   Ghana remains among the most promising countries in Africa. We are very pleased to note of 
the remarkable development path that the country has embarked upon. Having a pre -COVID  growth 
of 7%, according to World  Bank estimates, the projected percentage for 2022 is expected at 5.5 %. 
4.94.   Ghana has maintained over time the fundamentals of a growing strong economy whic h is 
premised on market forces and effective Government regulations. Ghana has been able to uphold 
its position as a very attractive destination for foreign investment.   
4.95.   It comes as no surprise that Ghana, being the first country to sign and ratify the AfC FTA, is 
now the host country for the newly established AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra. It is one more step in 
Ghana 's long history of being a strong advocate for African unity and integration, as envisioned by 
President  Nkrumah, in his ideas and actions for p an-Africanism.  
4.96.   We are all aware of the opportunities that the AfCFTA beholds,  and we welcome the calls of 
the Ghana Government urging the private sector to expand production, to open its economy through 
privatisation of some of its state-owned  enterprises,  both in the industrial and the agricultural sector, 
while taking the lead in the socio -economic transformation of the country at the same time.  
4.97.   We are confident that Ghana is emerging as the new commercial capital of Africa, a regional 
trade hub and yet another international gateway for the continent.  
4.98.   Regarding  its WTO commitments, we commend Ghana for submitting its notifications timely, 
a key step towards encouraging and increasing transparency. Whilst we look forward to the 
implementation of the TFA by  Ghana, we welcome the adoption of trade remedies to protect its 
industry against unfair trade practices.  
4.99.   We are happy to note that Ghana is also taking the right steps to improve intellectual property 
protection. In fact, Mauritius is also in a similar st age and we hope that our two countries get the 
opportunity to cooperate in this field in future.  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  4.100.   Mauritius and Ghana have special and privileged bilateral relations and recently we have 
consolidated our ties through the following:  
• Both countries have established a Permanent Joint Commission of Cooperation (PJCC) and 
we are discussing the joint development of key projects through the Special Economic Zones 
namely in Accra and in Dawa.  
• A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) whi ch entered into force on 
22 January  2019.   
• A Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement was signed on 24  August  2015.  
• An MoU on standards signed on 24  August  2015.  
• An MoU in the field of Higher Education, Science, Research and Technology signed in 
August  2015.  
• An Mo U on Air Services signed in 2017.  
4.101.   We have important trade in services sectors, namely in financial services. We believe that 
new innovative service sectors such FinTech, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence which have the 
ability to change the financial  services landscape on the African continent.  
4.102.   In conclusion, Mauritius, as a brotherly African state, would like to commend the role played 
by Ghana on the multilateral trade issues.  
4.103.   We concluded the MC12 last week and we look to the continued participatio n and 
commitment of Ghana both within the Africa Group, for intra -African collaboration to mitigate and 
surmount key challenges facing us like food security and, at the level of the WTO, towards the 
implementation of the outcomes of the Ministerial Confere nce. 
4.104.   We wish Ghana a successful Trade Policy Review.  
JAMAICA  ON BEHALF OF THE ACP GROUP  
4.105.   Honourable Herbert  Krapa, Deputy Minister  at Ministry of Trade and Industry of Ghana, 
I extend congratulations, on behalf of the ACP Group, to you and members of the Ghanian delegation 
to the fifth Trade Policy Review.  
4.106.   The Group thanks you Chair, and the Secretariat team for the arrangements for this meeting. 
We appreciate the overview provid ed by our discussant, Ambassador Etienne  Oudot de Dainville, 
and thank him for setting the stage of today 's deliberations.  
4.107.   The ACP Group applauds Ghana for its resilience in the face of the economic shock caused 
by the C OVID -19 pandemic. Actions taken by t he Government have already showed signs of enabling 
economic recovery starting in 2021.  
4.108.   The Group notes that the Government is pursuing an ambitious development strategy, under 
the initiative of "Ghana Beyond Aid ", that comprises two pillars: the moderniz ation of its agricultural 
sector and the development of its industrial base. The strategy aims to achieve several sustainable 
development goals; raise standards of living; spread economic opportunities across the country; 
promote gender inclusion and incom e distribution. The strategy further seeks to reduce reliance on 
commodity exports such as gold and oil that are subject to price volatility. The Group supports the 
Government 's focus, as we believe that the full realization of the "Ghana Beyond Aid " will augur well 
for Ghana 's deeper integration into the global economy and ultimately enhance global trade.  
4.109.   We commend Ghana for undertaking important reforms of its banking sector to develop a 
robust financial system that facilitates economic growth and devel opment. The Government 's 
implementation of prudent monetary policy has contributed to stable exchange rates, which has 
supported inflows of foreign direct investment. All efforts to digitize its economy to facilitate the 
conduct of business in a more effic ient manner should be encouraged. For instance, Ghana has WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  introduced an Integrated Customs Management System that facilitates smoother operations at its 
port. It also introduced a new payment system based on a Universal QR  code that integrates various 
paym ent options; thus, expanding the possibility to conduct online transactions without the need for 
cash. These actions are consistent with the ACP Group 's overall views on the actions that support 
trade facilitation.  
4.110.   The Group takes note of Ghana 's determination to realize its development related goals 
through its participation in the rules based multilateral trading system for trade. Ghana has engaged 
with partners to enhance trading relations in goods as well as services trade. A signatory of the  
African Continental Free Trade Agreement, Ghana has been committed to promoting trade at the 
continental level, including at the regional level through the Economic Community of West African 
States. The country is also very active on the bilateral trade f ront seeking to deepen partnerships 
through the establishment of Joint Business Councils with strategic trading partners.  
4.111.   We welcome Ghana 's National Export Development Strategy that aims to increase the 
competitiveness of Ghana 's export base. We also app laud Ghana for introducing reforms to its 
regulatory system with the aim of achieving more transparency and efficiency. This includes the 
establishment of the Permanent Public -Private Dialogue (PPD) mechanism, which we believe can 
greatly contribute to enh ancing the business environment.  
4.112.   Within the context of these deliberate actions to improve trade and doing business in and 
with the country, the ACP Group supports Ghana in its request for targeted assistance through 
aid-for-trade initiatives to overcome supply side constraints in view of building competitive industries 
and export base.  
4.113.   To conclude, the ACP Group would like to wish Ghana success in its Trade Policy Review, and 
efforts to fulfil its ambitious and commendable development strategy of which t rade and foreign 
investment constitute fundamental pillars.  
INDIA   
4.114.   My delegation is pleased to participate in the fifth  Trade Policy Review of Ghana. First  of all, 
we would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Ghana let by H.E. Mr  Herbert  Krapa, 
Deputy Minister and also the Ambassador of Ghana to the  WTO. We would also like to thank the 
Secretariat for the comprehensive Report prepared as well as the Report by the Government of 
Ghana . Our t hanks also to the Ambassador of France , the discussant , for his insightful comments .  
4.115.   I take this opportunity to highlight  a couple points.  India and Ghana relations have 
traditionally been warm and friendly, anchored in shared values by use common vision and 
south -south solidarity . 
4.116.   India has been a development partner of Ghana for a number of years providing assistance 
especially in the areas of capacity building, human resource s development through various 
initiatives , and we will continue to do so in the years to come.  
4.117.   India is one of the top trading partners of Ghana and also one of its major export 
destinations . The total bilateral trade between the tw o countries cross ed the USD  1 billion mark in 
long-back and then now stands that about USD 2.6 billion in 2021 and 2022 . Similarly , bilateral 
investments  have been on the rise with Indian companies  investing in a range of sectors in Ghana . 
4.118.   We are also pleased to note from the Secretariat Report that despite  the m any challenges 
faced by the Ghana 's economy, the economy has been resilient  despite t he C OVID -19 
pandemic -related challenges and also we have taken note of the new legislative and policy changes  
brought about by the Government of Ghana, especially in the areas of trade remedies and intellectual 
property, and we acknowledge that the economic policy is being guided by the "Ghana Beyond Aid" 
development strategy is aimed at diversifying the economy t hrough agricultural modernization and 
industrialization . 
4.119.   Finally,  before I conclude  I wish to refer to  the Ministerial Conference, it was a Conference 
which led to many outcomes,  and we would like to  reiterate  that we look forward to working with 
the deleg ation of Ghana and the other 162 delegations to take forward the pos t-MC12  work that is WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  before us.  I would like to congratulate the delegation of Ghana and wish them a successful T rade 
Policy Review.  
ANGOLA  
4.120.   The Angola delegation would like to fraternally c ongratulate Ghana for the public assessment 
of its fifth  review of trade policies and practices.  
4.121.   We have thoroughly studied and carefully perused both reports that demonstrate a complete 
overview of Ghana's economic structures and systems, economic policies, and strategies, fiscal, 
banking and debt reforms, and trade detailed flows in the last seven  years.  
4.122.   There still is an evident lack of profound statistical and serial economic information for the 
critical period of 2020 and 2021 affected by the global pandemic crisis. This is not a particular 
problem of Ghana but rather a significant global issue.  
4.123.   In this context, Angola is especially impressed by Ghana 's economic, political, and social 
resilience to the pandemic crisis. Although the country 's economy faced in 2020 its lowest economic 
growth rate in 37  years, characterized by an increase in unemployment figures, critical situations in 
public and private enterprises, rising fiscality, debt distress, and trade disruptions. The country has 
resisted and pro mptly overcome the pandemic crisis, this was possible due to the ongoing set of 
economic reforms, namely comprehensive banking sector reforms, robust foreign direct investment 
(FDI), exchange rate stability, and a strategic development agenda combined with political stability 
and functional democratic institutions.  
4.124.   Accordingly, Ghana's economic resilience and recovery in 2021 have also been endured by 
a strategic poli tical compromise with multilateral trade as a catalyst for development, a central WTO 
banner that we want to believe became a consensual goal reaffirmed by the MC12 recent debates 
and conclusions.  
4.125.   Ghana and Angola forged a long and lasting friendship. We have been working together for 
26 years in the WTO and several other international and African organizations. Unfortunately, our 
trade exchanges are still more than modest. According to the statistics for 2019, Angola 's imports 
from Ghana were only of marg inal USD 165,000, while our exports to Ghana reached around 
USD 18 million but dropped more than 82% in 2020.  
4.126.   The recent visit to Ghana in August  2021 of the President of Angola, H .E. João Lourenço, 
aimed particularly at contributing to boost this very hu mble present trade bilateral status  quo. 
Consequently, the two  nations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase 
economic ties through accelerated trade and investment. Angola is notedly interested in leveraging 
Ghana 's mining and cocoa s uccessful experience, while Ghana has manifested its willingness to build 
up new partnerships to expand its oil and gas sector. Therefore, the MoU is expected to drive 
economic cooperation, creating new trade and investment opportunities between the two  nations 
and our public and private entrepreneurs.  
4.127.   The Angola delegation is thankful for this opportunity to positively assess the Trade Policy 
Review of an old and dear African friend -country. We have appreciated your indulgence and special 
attention. Congr atulations to Ghana . 
CÔTE D'IVOIRE  
4.128.   Côte d'Ivoire welcomes the delegation from Ghana to its Trade Policy Review.  
4.129.   Ghana and Côte  d'Ivoire are two border countries united by geography, but also by the 
commonalities between their two peoples, with age -old link s and a shared cultural heritage.  
4.130.   The two countries remain committed to achieving the common ideals of African integration, 
one of which continues to be their common destiny, especially as Ghana and Côte  d'Ivoire have 
strong economic similarities, particul arly in terms of the applicable trade regimes.  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  4.131.   Both countries are members of the ECOWAS and, as such, apply the same common external 
tariff (ECOWAS CET). In addition, they participate together in the African Continental Free Trade 
Area, to which they are both signatories.  
4.132.   Likewise, pending the signing of the regional Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with 
the European  Union (EU), our two countries have adopted similar approaches by signing interim 
EPAs with the EU in order to maintain their respective p referential access to the European market. 
The same is true with the United  Kingdom, with which both our countries have also signed 
partnership agreements, and both are also eligible under the African Growth and Opportunity Act 
(AGOA).  
4.133.   Furthermore, in agr iculture, Côte  d'Ivoire and Ghana are respectively the world's first and 
second largest producers of cocoa, with a combined share of over 60% of world production. They 
are active and key members of international commodity organizations, notably the Interna tional 
Cocoa Organization (ICCO).  
4.134.   The two countries also enjoy excellent South -South cooperation in the cocoa sector, which 
led to the establishment in 2021 of the Côte  d'Ivoire -Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), jointly 
promoted by Presidents Alassane Ouattara and Nana Akufo -Addo with the aim of joining forces and 
offering producers a fair remuneration to reflect the efforts involved in producing cocoa.  
4.135.   Côte d'Ivoire therefore heartily welcomes the progress made by Ghana in the 
implementation o f its development policy, particularly with regard to its trade and sectoral policies.  
4.136.   My delegation notes with interest the structural reforms undertaken by Ghana during the 
period under review, which will not only benefit the kindred people of Ghana but  will undoubtedly 
have a positive impact on the entire West African region.  
4.137.   Côte d'Ivoire also notes with satisfaction Ghana's efforts to bring its trade measures and 
practices into conformity with the rules and principles governing the multilateral tradin g system.  
4.138.   By undergoing this exercise in transparency and predictability, Ghana is once again 
demonstrating its commitment to the multilateral trading system. My delegation wishes Ghana every 
success in this review and encourages it to take account of the positive suggestions of Members in 
order to further strengthen its trade policy for the benefit of its people and the entire West African 
subregion.  
SENEGAL  
4.139.   We would like to begin by welcoming the delegation of Ghana, led by the Deputy Minister of 
Foreign Trade. We thank and congratulate Ghana and the Secretariat for the quality of the reports 
submitted.  
4.140.   Senegal enjoys good relations with Ghana and trades with the country under the ECOWAS 
Trade Liberalization Scheme. We welcome Ghana's efforts in WT O's work, particularly on trade 
facilitation.  
4.141.   Ghana is an active player in ECOWAS and in Africa. Moreover, the fact that it hosts the 
AfCFTA Secretariat is an indication of the country's Africanist vision. We encourage the Secretariat 
to further support Gh ana in submitting its outstanding notifications.  
4.142.   In conclusion, we would like to congratulate and wish Ghana every success in this Trade 
Policy Review . 
SOUTH  AFRICA  
4.143.   We would like to join the delegations that proceeded us in congratulating the delegation of  
Ghana led by Mr  Herbert  Krapa, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, as well as Mrs  Akosua 
Okyere -Badoo, Deputy Permanent Representative, and her team for the fifth  Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  4.144.   We thank the Government of Ghana and the Secretariat for their detai led reports, we also 
thank H.E.  Mr Etienne  Oudot de Dainville of France for his observations as a discussant.  
4.145.   South  Africa and Ghana have well established bilateral trade relations and bilateral trade 
continues to grow, in 2020 -2021, the trade volumes betw een Ghana and South  Africa reached just 
over ZAR  14 billion. However, South  African trade exports to Ghana are dominated by industrial 
products, while South  African imports are largely minerals and unfinished products, to change its 
imbalance we need to de velop manufacturing capacities of both our economies.  
4.146.   Our bilateral relations are further characterized and anchored by multifaceted cooperation 
at various levels, including high -level political platforms, a joint commission , and a 
Ghana -South  Africa busin ess forum. South  Africa n investors continued to show confidence in 
Ghana's enabling business environment, the presence of the  South  African invest ors participating in 
Ghana's economy bears  testimony of the investor friendly environment created by the Government . 
There are over 200  South  African companies operating in Ghana, we are now in an even better 
position to trade  with one another through the African Continent al Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).  
4.147.   We see AfCFTA  as a key milestone to promote the Africa n economic community and to realize 
the Agenda  2063 Vision of a prosperous  and united Africa, and South  Africa will  do all it can to 
ensure effective and efficient implementation of the AfCFTA .  
4.148.   We note the TPR of the Ghana is  taking place when the world i s reeling from the effects of 
the C OVID -19 crisis, as highlighted by both reports, l ike m any other countries, the pandemic pose d 
challenges for Ghana's economy resulting in rising  fiscal financing gaps and high -debt levels . 
However, as noted by both Reports, timely policy interventions  and measures enabled to contain 
the spread of the virus and rebound from the negative effects of the pandemic .  
4.149.   We commend the Government of Ghana for the dynamism of its policy reform agenda, 
including its  fiscal and m onetary polic ies; sector policy a framework  focused on implementation of 
Governments 10 -Point Industrial Transformation Agenda  and comprehensive plan to develop  and 
identify strategic  anchor industries and new  growth areas aimed at  economic transformation and 
driving Ghana's development agenda . 
4.150.   In conclusions, we commend Ghana for the role i t plays in the WTO and its active 
participation in the work of the WTO . We wish  Ghana a successful Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESE NTATIVE OF GHANA  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  On behalf of the Republic of Ghana, I wish to thank Members particularly the Chair of the Trade 
Policy Review Body, H.E.  Ángel Villalobos  Rodríguez and discussant, Mr  Etienne  Oudot de Dainville  
for the support they have extended to Ghana over the last three  days.  
5.2.  Trade Policy Reviews tend be onerous for developing country delegations, in view of the 
extensive preparatory processes that they have to go through. However, the support we have 
received from the Secretariat and Members alike, is what has brought us to the end of what has 
been a most successful review . In all, 189  written questions were received from 10  Members; while 
17 Members took the floor to comment on various issues. This is a de monstration of the interest 
Members have in the trade and economic policies of Ghana. My profound gratitude goes to all 
Members for their constructive engagement and criticisms. We consider the questions and comments 
as both challenges and opportunities th at will enhance the implementation of Ghana 's trade policy. 
5.3.  In the course of this Review, Members raised some very salient issues, which I will like to 
address under four themes : 
• economic environment;  
• trade and investment regimes;  
• trade policies and practices by measure; and  
• trade policies by sector.  
ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
5.4.  At the opening session, I shared with you the various steps and other interventions we have 
been taking since the last Review to ensure a prudent management of the Ghana ian economy. This 
has been anchored on the Government 's vision of an optimistic, self -confident and prosperous 
nation, through the creative exploitation of our human and natural resources, and operating within 
a democratic, open and fair society in which m utual trust and economic opportunities exist for all.  
5.5.  The four  key goals being pursued, in this regard, are: building  a prosperous country  that 
create s opportunities for all Ghanaians; safeguarding the natural environment and ensuring a 
resilient built environment; and maintaining a stable, united and safe country. The specific objectives 
require optimi zing the key sources of growth in the economy  and en hancing a competitive and 
enabling business environment to engender a strong and resilient economy that is capable of 
withstanding internal and external shocks. Creating opportunities for all entails enhancing the 
preparedness of the population to take adv antage of current and emerging opportunities as we come 
out of the global pandemic.  
5.6.  We acknowledge with encouragement, the recognition and commendation of some of our 
initiatives and interventions. However, we are under no illusions at all, as to the econo mic challenges 
facing our country today. How to ease the sufferings of Ghanaians, transform the economy to create 
jobs and spread  wealth across all households, remains  of utmost importance to our Government. 
How to broaden the revenue base, keep a grip on expenditure, and at the same time build with 
urgency, the needed infrastructure and stimulate economic activity are at the heart of our recovery 
strategy. Indeed,  we are of the firm belief that a functional nexus of trade, investment, industrial , 
and agric ultural policies hinged on the multilateral trading system will be an important driver of our 
post-COVID  recovery programme.  
5.7.  Ghana 's fiscal policy and strategy to reduce the fiscal deficit in 2022 and into the medium -term 
is twofold: to control expenditure  and to raise more revenues domestically. The Fiscal consolidation 
programme focus es on expenditure rationalisation, enforcing commitment control mechanisms, 
increasing domestic revenue mobili zation as well as reducing borrowing to promote fiscal and debt 
sustainability.  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  Ghana CARES Programme  
5.8.  In a bid to efficiently execute strategic economic interventions to mitigate the impact of the 
pandemic, Ghana is currently implementing the Ghana  CARES Programme. The key focus of the 
Ghana  CARES Programme is to suppo rt the private sector to become a powerful engine for job 
creation in Ghana by providing support in targeted sectors to accelerate competitive import 
substitution and export expansion in light manufacturing; and by optimizing implementation of 
Government e conomic flagships and key programmes.  
5.9.  Government 's initiatives to accelerate industriali zation and boost manufacturing capabilities 
under the Ghana  CARES programme include:  
• Building Ghana 's light manufacturing sector by targeting agro -processing and food 
import -competition, pharmaceuticals, and textiles  and garments;  
• Developing Engineering/machine tools and ICT/digital Economy Industries by building 
capabilities to manufacture machine tools to support our industrialization, as well as 
supporting entre preneurs in ICT/digital economy businesses such as tech start -ups, fintechs, 
apps for agriculture, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) etc.  
National Export Development Strategy  
5.10.   The NEDS was launched in October  2020 by H .E. the President of the Republi c of Ghana , 
Nana Akufo -Addo. Since then, several implementation actions have been ongoing. The NEDS 
Coordinating Secretariat and various sector committees have been established as stipulated in the 
Strategy document. Regional sensitization activities were held in 2020 and 2021 and in the next few 
months, nationwide district sensitization workshops will be held to ensure that export -oriented firms, 
especially SMEs at the district level are all aware of the strategies to be implemented to realize the 
expected  outcomes.  
TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
Gender  
5.11.   The inclusion of gender specific issues in the implementation of trade policies has become a 
government priority. The World  Bank estimates that MSMEs contribute about 70% of Ghana 's GDP 
accounting for about 9 2% of businesses in Ghana with 44% of these enterprises owned by women. 
Women entrepreneurs make significant contributions to economic growth and to poverty reduction 
around the world. In view of this, the Government of Ghana attaches particular importance  to the 
promotion of the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly 
those owned by women.  
5.12.   To shed a light on the outputs of our gender and gender -related programmes, it is important 
to note that, between 2017 to 2020, the  Ghana Enterprises Agency, provided various interventions 
to some 635,890  persons with more than 65% of these beneficiaries being women. The support 
included business formalization, access to finance, capacity -building on enhancing productivity, and 
market s access among others. A total of 116,189  women were provided with business development 
services. In 2020 Government through the Ghana Enterprises Agency disbursed the Coronavirus 
Alleviation Programme Business Support Scheme (CAPBUSS) funds to over 300,00 0 businesses, 
60% of them being women.  
Foreign Direct Investment and Business Environment  
5.13.   The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act is going through a review process. 
Extensive consultations have been held with various stakeholders. The views and co mments on the 
various provisions in the law, including the minimum foreign equity requirement that has also been 
noted in this review, have been incorporated in the final draft.  
5.14.   The GIPC has also set up an Investor Aftercare Division to assist investors w ho may face 
challenges in the implementation of their projects or businesses.  
5.15.   Ghana seeks to become the most business -friendly country in Africa as part of Government 's 
industrial transformation agenda. In furtherance of this objective, Government has deve loped a WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  comprehensive Business Regulatory Reforms (BRR) Programme coordinated by the Ministry of Trade 
and Industry, which is being implemented in collaboration with over 40  Ministries, Departments and 
Agencies, and regulatory institutions.  
5.16.   The programme has seven  components namely:  
• Targeted Reform Initiatives (e.g. Ease of Doing Business): A coordinated national 
programme to improve Ghana 's performance in key global investment indicators ; 
• E-Register Business Regulations: An online inventory that provides businesses with an easily 
accessible, one -stop repository of up -to-date information on all business regulations (laws, 
directives, procedures, forms and fees) in force in Ghana ; 
• Public Consultation Portal: An interactive web portal for centralized public consultation with 
government institutions on government policies, legal and regulatory reforms ; and 
• Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA): An ex ante or ex post assessment of the impacts of 
proposed or existing policies or regulations and t o consider other alternatives to achieve 
policy objectives.  
5.17.   It is expected that this Programme will improve our business environment through the 
removal of outdated and overlapping regulations that reduces investor confidence.  
TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES  BY MEASURE  
Customs Procedures  
5.18.   We are encouraged by the support Member States have shown in our quest to improve our 
port infrastructure and processes. Ghana  currently operates a Single Window for customs clearance 
processes and procedures. As from 1  June 2020, the Government of Ghana, adopted the ICUMS, 
which is an end -to-end system for all customs operations.  
5.19.   We also note concerns raised by Member States on multiple physical inspections at the ports. 
It is imperative to note that Government is rolling out  a comprehensive training programme to 
educate or sensitize ports and border agencies to harmonize processes and procedures in order to 
reduce physical examination and facilitate the release of goods.  
Tariffs  
5.20.   Ghana is fully implementing the ECOWAS  CET. However, the Government of Ghana, for 
purposes of socio -economic considerations may waive or exempt companies and individuals from 
paying duties and taxes which are calculated based on the CET applicable  tariffs. Goods granted 
exemptions are not  zero rated  but waived from the payment of taxes and duties for a particular 
consignment and period.  
5.21.   It is worthy of note that, the Government of Ghana as part of its measures to diversify and 
improve domestic taxes introduced new tax policy initiatives and aggressi ve revenue measures in 
the 2022 fiscal year to support revenue mobilization.  
5.22.   The implementation of the proposed tax policy initiatives and improvements in tax compliance 
is projected to increase domestic revenue significantly.  
Import Restrictions  
5.23.   Concerns  raised on permits for the importation of agricultural products have been well noted. 
However, the requirement for import approvals is based on the protection of health and safety of 
consumers. This approval process requires that all importers must apply t o the Ministry of Food and 
Agriculture for import approval, and register with the Veterinary Services Directorate through the 
ICUMS on an annual basis.  WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  Export support and Promotion  
5.24.   The Government , through the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is currently w orking on a new 
national policy for the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and Industrial Parks (Ips) in 
the country.   
5.25.   The Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP) which we are implementing, has the 
overall objective of promoting non -natural  resources -based sectors. The objective and pillars will 
form part of the outcome of the SEZ/IP programme implementation. Development of SEZ/IPs shall 
subsequently contribute towards creating employment opportunities, expanding its production base 
and attr acting FDIs into the country. The SEZ policy being formulated will also provide a broad 
framework for Government on improving the regulatory environment for the development of SEZs.  
5.26.   Trade finance is a key pillar in our National Policy Framework and Action  Plan for the AfCFTA 
and would be supported by the Ghana EXIM  Bank.  The mandate of the Bank as enshrined in Act  2016 
(Act 911) allows for the bank to provide support to any economic production activities including 
agricultural production and processing mea nt for export.  
5.27.   The Bank's focus is on improving on Ghana 's agricultural raw material base to meet the 
demand of processing facilities to also meet export demands of value -added agricultural products. 
Consequently, the Bank provides credit facilities to app licants operating in the agriculture sector who 
meet the Bank's eligibility requirements.  
Measures affecting promotion and trade  
5.28.   The Government takes cognizance of the importance of a robust quality infrastructure for 
building a competitive trade and indus trial regime, and the implementation of the SPS and 
TBT Agreements. In this regard, the Government of Ghana approved the National Quality Policy in 
April 2022. Consequent to this approval, a five-year work programme is being developed to aid the 
implementa tion of the policy.  
5.29.   The strategic objectives of the National Quality Policy are to:  
• improve the international competitiveness of Ghana leading to enhanced export 
performance ;  
• protect consumers and the environment from counterfeited and unsafe products ; 
• raise the quality of life of the Ghanaian people ; 
• support Government 's industrial transformation agenda and other national strategies for 
increasing exports;  and 
• enhancing import substitution and improving business regulations and the ease of doi ng 
business.  
5.30.   We are encouraged by the interest in the standards development framework of our emerging 
auto industry and commit to ensuring that, quality and safety are of utmost priority. To achieve, this 
the Ghana Standards Authority will ensure that international standards are adopted and a framework 
for establishing equivalence is established. Such equivalence is determined by National Technical 
Committees responsible for the development of standards in their respective fields.  
5.31.   For the automotive ind ustry, ECE  Standards were adopted identically and provision made in 
the Annexes to a list of US  FMVSS standards to which compliance is deemed equal to compliance to 
the adopted ECE  Standards. Other standards equivalent test methods from ASTM, UOP or ISO ma y 
be permitted for a particular parameter or parameters.  
State trading  
5.32.   Concerns raised on the efficiency and profitability of state enterprises are already being 
managed by the new State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA). The foremost objective of 
SIGA is to promote within the framework of Government policy, the efficient or where applicable WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  profitable operations of specified entities. This, SIGA does through its performance monitoring and 
contract systems as provided for in the Public Financial Man agement Regulations.  
5.33.   Through efforts of SIGA, Government is taking the following actions to remedy the losses 
incurred by SOEs:  
• Restructuring of 50  SOEs in the short to medium -term. This is being supported by the 
World  Bank and other development partners through the World  Bank's Public Financial 
Management for Service Delivery Programme.  
• Listing of selected SOEs on the Ghana stock exchange to enhance corporate governance 
practices, improve efficiency, profitability and provide access to long -term capital.  
• SIGA's effective monitoring measures like the performance contract system would ensure 
that SOEs meet their annual performance targets and agreed KPIs hence reducing losses in 
the medium to long -term.  
• External oversight role performed by the Parliamentary Committee on Employment, Social 
Welfare and State Enterprises as well as the Ministry of Public Enterprises would ensure 
profitability, efficiency and effective running of SOEs.  
TRADE POLICY BY SECTOR  
Energy  
5.34.   Concerns raised on local content policies and its impact on long -run returns on FDI have been 
well noted. Ghana passed a new local content and local participation regulations for the mining 
industry in 2020. The new regulations replaced the existing provisions on local content which was 
contained in the Minerals and Mining (General) Regulations, 2012 (L.I.  2173).  
5.35.   One of the key purposes of L.I.  2431 is to achieve and maintain a degree of participation for 
Ghanaians or companies incorporated in Ghana (either foreign -owned or Ghanaian -owned)  in the 
mining industry value -chain. The regulations promote joint venture arrangements between Ghanaian 
and foreign companies in areas such as technical and engineering services, contract underground 
mining services, contract underground drilling operatio ns, geophysical airborne -based survey, 
insurance/re -insurance services and financial services.  
Manufacturing  
5.36.   It is an undeniable fact that most countries that have achieved economic growth and 
transformation on a significant scale over the years, have don e so on the back of industrialization. 
In order to achieve rapid economic growth, create significant job opportunities and reduce poverty, 
we must first industrialize. Government recognizes that industrialization and private sector 
development in general, present opportunities to expand the economy and create more jobs. Our 
comprehensive industrial transformation and private sector development agenda is therefore 
premised on our quest for structural economic reforms that leads to improving incomes, liveliho ods 
and the well -being of our people.  We believe that this sits at the crust of our "Ghana Beyond Aid " 
Agenda.  
5.37.   Ghana will also continue leveraging on the TRIMS to drive investments into the extractive and 
agricultural sector with the view to adding value t o natural resources through industrialization. The 
One District One Factory and Strategic Anchor Initiatives are a demonstration of Ghana 's resolve to 
build a functional linkage between the extractive sector, the agricultural sector and key industrial 
sectors. Regulations in these sectors will focus more on improving the business environment and 
supporting private sector investments.  
5.38.   Building local capacity for the sustainable long -term development of the Automotive Industry 
is also a key priority of Govern ment. In this regard, the Ministry of Trade and Industry will complete 
the establishment of an Automotive Development Support Centre in 2022 to promote innovative 
vehicle financing, regulate vehicle standards, and facilitate the domestication of the indust ry through 
the local manufacture of components, parts and accessories by SMEs to supply local assemblers.   WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  Notifications  
5.39.   The concerns raised on our notification obligations have been noted. Ghana is in the process 
of establishing an inter -institutional no tification mechanism that would facilitate the effective 
transmittal of notifications to the WTO Secretariat. As part of this process, on 23  May 2022, Ghana 
submitted notifications of category commitments and requested for extension of definitive dates in 
accordance with Article  15 and 16 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. As part of the 
inter-institutional mechanism, a Technical Working Group has been constituted to develop a work 
programme for submitting all overdue  notifications to the WTO. Ghana will continue to work with 
the WTO  Secretariat to meet this obligation.  
5.40.   In conclusion, we are gra teful for the interest shown in our country, evident in the numerous 
probing questions, both written and oral, which have helped us to clarify the trade and economic 
policy environment of Ghana.  
5.41.   Let me once again say a very big thank you to Excellency Villalobos  Rodríguez , Chairperson 
of the Trade Policy Review Body for the efficient and able manner you have conducted this review. 
And to Excellency Etienne  Oudot de Dainville , who graciously accepted to be the discussant, we 
thank you very much indeed.  
5.42.   Now t o all Members of the WTO and staff of the Secretariat, we are certainly indebted to you 
for your generous support. And I saved the best for last. I thank sincerely, my gallant and 
hardworking delegation both from Ghana and those on ground here in Geneva, f or working tirelessly 
day and night and around the clock, to ensure a successful review. We have been here for two days, 
but the work that has gone into this has spanned two years, and I couldn't thank all of you enough, 
for your dedication and commitment to this process. Congratulations team Ghana, and may God 
bless our homeland Ghana. Thank you .  
DISCUSSANT  
5.43.   Minister, I would like to thank you for your initial responses to Members, concluding this 
constructive and successful Trade Policy Review.  
5.44.   In this ex ercise, I will first recall that Ghana is a promising economy in sub -Saharan Africa, 
thanks to the intelligent use of its many natural resources but, above all, thanks to its democratic 
stability, the independence of its justice system and the freedom of i ts press.  
5.45.   In addition to these long -established strengths of Ghana, I would like to join our colleagues 
in commending your government's appropriate response to the pandemic. Seizing the opportunity 
offered by the crisis to strengthen and diversify the structure of the economy will, I believe, enhance 
and consolidate the status of middle -income countries, provided that they remain vigilant about the 
sustainability of public debt.  
5.46.   Furthermore, a consensus emerges from Members' statements on your exemplary  
implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, with the creation of a paperless customs 
management system providing just one example.  
5.47.   However, Minister, Members have expressed various concerns, many of which I must say had 
already been raised dur ing the last TPR in 2014, thus creating a high expectation that you will 
respond.  In particular, there seems to be an urgent need for Ghana to submit notifications that have 
been overdue for several years, for which it can seek technical assistance from th e Secretariat.  
5.48.   In addition, in order for Ghana to take full advantage of its integration into international trade, 
Members highlighted a number of areas that would improve Ghana's business climate. Increasing 
the transparency of its tariff structure, incl uding taxes and levies on imports, was a recurring request 
made by our colleagues. They also called on Ghana to lift various restrictions on foreign investment, 
such as mandatory Ghanaian equity participation in joint ventures set up by foreign entities or  in 
the energy and mining sectors.  
5.49.   Several Members stressed the importance of women's economic empowerment and the 
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  economic growth, echoing paragraph 13 of the o utcome document of the WTO 12th Ministerial 
Conference. In keeping with its growing engagement in the WTO, they invited Ghana to participate 
in the WTO's work on these issues.  
5.50.   Lastly, Ghana's commitment to regional economic integration, both in West Africa  and within 
the framework of the AfCFTA has been unanimously welcomed. I sincerely hope that we will have 
the opportunity at your next TPR to see the ambitious commitments being achieved and to see an 
increase in intra -regional trade. In the words of Presi dent Nkrumah: "United, Africa could become 
one of the greatest forces for good in the world".  
5.51.   I cannot conclude, of course, without once again thanking, on behalf of all of you, the 
Secretariat team whose hard work made these fruitful exchanges possible, as well as you, Minister, 
and your entire delegation, for the quality of the replies provided . 
TOGO  
5.52.   Togo is pleased to be participating in the fifth  Trade Policy Review of Ghana, a fellow country 
with which it shares a long border to the west.  
5.53.   First of all, we would like to extend our warmest greetings to H.E. Mr Herbert  Krapa, Deputy 
Minister of Trade and Industry, and to his entire delegation.  
5.54.   My delegation, in turn, congratulates the Minister on his comprehensive introductory 
statement on the state of the Ghanaian economy. It also thanks H.E. Mr Etienne Oudot de  Dainville, 
Permanent Representative of France, discussant for this review, for his insightful comments and 
observations.  
5.55.   With regard to documentation, we highly appreciate the useful an d comprehensive reports 
produced for this review by the Government of Ghana and the WTO Secretariat.  
5.56.   Agriculture and the extractive industries remain the main pillars of the Ghanaian economy, 
accounting for around one third of GDP (20.5% and 11.1% respecti vely in 2020).  
5.57.   Ghana's economy has shown resilience in the face of the COVID -19 shock, especially during 
its very first phase in 2020, with a GDP growth rate of 0.4%, despite the adverse effects of the 
lockdown. This resilience was supported by targeted ac tions implemented by the government, 
notably in favour of the private sector and households.  
5.58.   As an immediate neighbour, Togo enjoys good trade relations with Ghana, from where it 
imports various products, worth USD  72,730 in 2021 compared to USD  121,730 in  2020 as a result 
of the health crisis, which has had a negative impact on international trade (source: ITC Trade  Map 
data). The border between our two countries was closed for a long period.  
5.59.   At the community level, Togo shares the same regional economic s pace with Ghana. The entry 
into force of the ECOWAS CET in January  2015 provides a common trade policy instrument for the 
taxation of third -party products.  
5.60.   In order to boost and facilitate trade in the subregion, a joint border post (JBP) was set up in 
November  2021 at the border between our two countries, in Noépé  Akanu, devoted to the clearance 
of goods. The Abidjan -Lagos highway, on which our two countries are working as part of ECOWAS, 
is also an appropriate trade facilitation tool.  
5.61.   It goes without sayi ng that, with sound reforms and government commitment, the Ghanaian 
economy will continue on its path towards a steady structural transformation to ensure trade for 
development. This is bound to have a positive impact on cross -border trade for the benefit of the 
people of the subregion.  
5.62.   Finally, we wish the delegation of Ghana a successful Trade Policy Review . 
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  NIGERIA  
5.63.   Nigeria wishes to congratulate Ghana on its fifth  Trade Policy Review. We also wish to welcome 
Honourable Herbert  Krapa, the Head of Delegation, and the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry 
of Ghana along with the other members of the team to this meeting, as well as Mrs  Akosua 
Okyere -Badoo, the Head of the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the WTO.  
5.64.   Nigeria is pleased w ith Ghana economic reform efforts towards structural transformation, 
improving regulatory frameworks, as well as economic diversification and digitization, especially 
since the last  Trade Policy Review in 2014. These reforms continue to improve Ghana 's eco nomic 
performance as evident in both the Government of Ghana and the Secretariat Report.  
5.65.   We note the efforts of the Government of Ghana towards making the country a progressively 
easier place to start and grow business so as to attract sustainable investm ent, improve 
competitiveness and growth, increase local supply capacity and create job. We believe these reforms 
are consistent with Africa 's collective efforts towards optimizing the benefits of the AfCFTA and the 
actualization of Agenda  2063. We also com mend Ghana 's commitment to the ECOWAS project, and 
we will continue to work closely with Ghana towards building the ECOWAS of our dream, the ECOWAS 
of people. In this regard, we urge the Government of Ghana to continue to provide more friendly 
business env ironment for Nigerian businesses in Ghana.  
5.66.   Despite limited fiscal space, the Government is implementing the Ghana C OVID -19 Alleviation 
and Revitalization of Enterprises Support Programme tagged the Ghana  CARES. The Programme is 
aimed at addressing the chal lenges arising from the health, economic , and social impacts of the 
COVID -19 pandemic through provision of support for vulnerable households and businesses. We 
commend this people 's centred initiative that seeks to improve lives as well as food and livelih ood 
security.  
5.67.   The ties that bind Nigeria and Ghana are unique, wide -ranging, and profound given our 
history, proximity, regional agenda, and shared interests. We would continue to work closely with 
Ghana to deepen economic integration in ECOWAS, and Africa . We will also continue to strengthen 
our cooperation and coordination with Ghana on all areas of WTO works especially WTO Reforms to 
foster the delivery of outcomes that would help Africa overcome its development challenges and 
better use global trade to drive growth.  
5.68.   In conclusion, we wish to extend our best wishes to Ghana for a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.69.   On behalf of the United  States, I would like to thank the delegation of Ghana for the time and 
effort that your Government invested in preparing for in carrying out this very successful Trade 
Policy Review.  
5.70.   The United  States also values the guidance of the Chair and discuss ant and the hard work of 
the Secretariat in preparing the Reports which made this review  possible . I would like to recognize 
the tremendous amount of work that the delegation dedicated to providing written responses to the 
questions we posed during this review, and as the Deputy Minister noted last evening,  we submitted 
a few follow -up question s and look forward for further engagement on those responses . 
5.71.   We appreciate the Deputy Minister's comments this morning on notification s, and automobile 
standards among  the other issues mentioned . I would also note , as the delegate to the Trade 
Facilitation Committee , that we recognize the tremendous work  that Ghana is doing in that room 
and we look forward to the fifth anniversary review to hear more about what Ghana  is doi ng on 
trade facilitation . 
5.72.   With that, I will close and congratulate Ghana  on a successful Trade Policy Review.  
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  EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.73.   On behalf of the E uropean  Union , let me first thank Ghana  for the responses provided to the 
advanced questions by the EU, indeed as mentioned by Mr  Deputy  Minister, we have sent a follow -up 
question regarding business regulatory form programme and we look forward to the outstanding 
reply in due course.  
5.74.   The EU w elcomes the useful insight from today as well as of Tuesday that  this review has 
provided into the many reforms undertaken and recent developments and future plans. This 
exchange in the TPR has showed that there is  some room for improvement in terms of Gha na's trade 
and invest  environment, and we have taken good note of your statement this morning . We are 
encouraged by what was said today about regional integration and strengthening capacity to better 
fulfil transparency  and notification obligations . 
5.75.   Like some other Members, we would also invite Ghana to actively participate in the different 
work strands  of the WTO, consider becoming an observer to the  Government Procurement 
Agreement and join the Services Domestic Regulation Initiative , as well initiatives related to trade 
and environmental sustainability.  
5.76.   In conclusion, the EU would like to thank the delegation of Ghana of undertaking this 
important  transpa rency exercise and thus demonstrating its commitment to WTO and the 
multilateral  trading system, and we are confident that our good cooperation will continue here as 
well as bilaterally .  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The fifth  Trade Policy Review of Ghana has offered us a good opportunity to deepen our 
understanding of the main developments in, and challenges to, Ghana's trade, economic, and 
investment policies since its previous TPR in 2014.  
6.2.  I would like to thank the Ghanaian delegation, led by Honourable  Herbert  Krapa, Deputy 
Minister at the Ministry of Trade and Industry , for his active role in this exercise. My gratitude also 
goes to our discussant M r Etienne Oudot de Dainville, Permanent Representative of France to the 
WTO, for his insightful comments, and to the 19  delegations that took the floor during this meeting. 
The strong interest in Ghana's trade policies is also evident from the 189  advance written questions 
submitted by Members.  
6.3.  Members commended Ghana on its strong democratic institutions and political stability, which 
had contributed to its remarkab le socio -economic progress. They welcomed Ghana's efforts under 
the "Ghana Beyond Aid" vision to diversify and rebuild a more inclusive and sustainable economy. 
Members praised the resilience of the Ghanaian economy in 2020. However, referring to the Ghana  
COVID -19 Alleviation and Revitalisation of Enterprise Support (Ghana CARES – "Obaatan  pa") 
Programme, it was noted that the mitigation efforts came at the expense of record public debt.  
6.4.  Members praised Ghana for its longstanding commitment to the multila teral trading system. 
Some Members encouraged Ghana to consider joining the WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement as an observer. Noting that numerous WTO notifications, including on agriculture, 
subsidies, customs valuation, import licensing procedures,  and trade -related investment measures 
(TRIMS), were outstanding, several Members inquired about steps Ghana was taking to improve its 
notification record. Some Members also encouraged Ghana to join the Joint Statement Initiatives.  
6.5.  Members emphasized Ghana 's important role in deepening economic integration in Africa; they 
recalled that Ghana is the host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area. They 
also noted that, since its last Review, Ghana has entered into bilateral trade agreement s with the 
European  Union and the United Kingdom.  
6.6.  As a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ghana has started 
implementing the Common External Tariff (CET). However, Members were concerned that, in 
addition to the customs tari ff, numerous other duties and charges are levied on imports, although 
they are bound at zero on most products. They encouraged Ghana to review its complex border 
taxes and levies.  
6.7.  Members acknowledged Ghana's success in attracting foreign investment. Howe ver, it was also 
noted that there was room for improvement to develop a stable and predictable business 
environment to further attract investment. To this end, Ghana was urged to take steps to address 
the challenges investors are facing in areas such as cu stoms procedures, transparency in taxation, 
minimum foreign investment requirements, and the new local participation and local content 
requirements in the mining and energy sectors, including renewables that the Government is keen 
to promote.  
6.8.  Members ackn owledged structural reforms implemented by Ghana since its last Review 
through, inter alia, the modernization of its public procurement regime where an electronic system 
has been introduced (e -procurement); and amendments to its intellectual property regim e and 
participation in a number of WIPO treaties. Ghana has also, for the first  time, established a trade 
remedies regime.  
6.9.  Other areas of interest to Members include trade facilitation and the high incidence of physical 
inspections at customs; the status of implementation of the ECOWAS  CET; procedures for adopting 
international standards and recognition of equivalent international standards; tendering methods in 
government procurement and related domestic content requirements; the National Export 
Developme nt Strategy; and reforms of state -owned enterprises. At the sectoral level, Members' 
questions covered: agriculture, including import restrictions/permits on poultry meat, impact of the 
fertilizer subsidy scheme, operations of the National Buffer Stock Com pany, operations of the 
COCOBOD as a state -trading enterprise; energy, including the Energy Sector Recovery Programme, 
incentives for renewables, and plans for oil and gas refining; manufacturing, including the 10 -Point WT/TPR/M/427 • G hana 
 
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  Industrialization Agenda, import sub stitution policy for pharmaceuticals and the increased number 
of pharmaceuticals subject to import ban, Ghana's automotive policy; and services, including port 
services that are subject to licensing, the regime on air transport services, and FDI restrictio ns for 
hotels.  
6.10.   These are some of the key issues that have emerged from our discussions over our 
two sessions on Ghana. I hope that the Ghanaian delegation will consider and further reflect on 
these issues and on the many constructive comments that it has received during this Review. 
Members look forward to receiving the answers from Ghana to any outstanding questions within one 
month, at which point the Review will be successfully concluded.  
__________