RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/W/212  
 
12 August 2022  
(22-6085) Page: 1/35 
Trade Policy Review Body    
 
*In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
GHANA 
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 21 AND 23 JUNE 2022  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Daniela  Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 26 August 2022 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
GHANA 
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 21 ET 23 JUIN 2022  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Daniela  Salas : danielamariana.sal as@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 26 août 2022 au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
GHANA 
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 21 Y 23 DE JUNIO DE 2022  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Daniela  Salas : 
danielamariana.salas@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 26 de agosto de 2022  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 
  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
GHANA 
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez (Mexico)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .....................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF GHANA  ................................ ..... 5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  7 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ......................  10 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF GHANA AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  .........  25 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  34 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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/W/212  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 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 Ministry 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 benefit ed 
from the Interprefy online 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 Japan.  The following delegations 
submitted w ritten 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 identifying some key issues arising from the advance  written 
questions submitted by Members for the 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 environment. These assets had 
contributed to attr acting 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 concerns 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 reboun ded 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 comparatively 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 at high risk of debt distress.   
1.9.  The Secre tariat 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 es tablished 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, particularl y 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 notes that, 
in addition to the CET, Ghana also applies numerous other duties and charges on imports although 
they were bound at zero on several products.    
1.11.  Furthermore, the Secretariat Report notes that Ghana is increasingly becoming a net -food 
importer, despite its agricultural po tential 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/W/212  
 
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  1.12.  The Chairperson noted that, a survey of the advance written questions submitted for the 
current Review indicated a wide range of topics of interest to Members regarding Ghana's trade and 
investment policies. These included the impact  of and Government response to COVID -19; trade 
facilitation, including customs procedures and the high incidence of customs inspections; 
implementation of the ECOWAS  CET; the numerous other duties and charges levied on imports; 
import restrictions on poult ry 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 the Review, 
out of which 7  sent their questions within the established deadline. Prior to the meeting, Ghana had 
already provided written replies to these questions and the Chairperson was looking to hearing 
Ghana's updates 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 Membership on the impact of the pandemic on its economy and the measures it had 
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  Rodrígue z, 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 would also like to expr ess my profound gratitude to Member States here present for 
accepting to be part of this 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. As Members 
engaged each other last week on these 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 -overd ue. There were times when hope seemed lost, and there were times that victory 
beckoned. 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 b e empowered 
and well positioned to pursue its mandate as the pre -eminent institution for global trade 
rule-making.  
2.5.  Since our last  Review, Government 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 challenges. This is accurately captured by the reports from the Secretariat and Government. 
Notably, Ghana has in creased its exports significantly and has over the past 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 tr ansformation of the economy, 
encourage domestic processing 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 g roups, whilst ensuring the reduction of poverty particularly 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 a reas, such as health and 
education. Government has been 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 effort s 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 important 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 F ood and Jobs under which modules such as the Rearing for 
Food and Jobs and the Planting for Export and Rural Development were implemented. These 
programmes were all instrumental in ensuring that the country attained food security whilst also 
ensuring that there was availability of raw materials to feed local industries 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/W/212  
 
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  Aid". It essentially seeks to create the needed awareness for Ghanaia ns 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 its regional ambitions, Ghana continues to implement trade facilitation measures 
as spelt out  in the World Trade Organi zation - Trade Facilitation Agreement, 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 transit 
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 trainin g 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 inte rnships and the Young Professionals Programme 
instituted by the 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, wou ld 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 W TO 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 Developm ent 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 
provid es Africa with an opportunity to improve on its regional integration 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. Th e AfCFTA is a once in 
a lifetime clarion call to action in need 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 Oud ot 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 G hana in our quest 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 sess ion 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.  Permettez -moi tout d'abord de saluer à mon tour la délégation du Ghana conduite par le 
Ministre adjoint en charge du commerce international, S.E.  Herbert  Krapa.  
3.2.  Je tiens à remercier la délégation du Ghana et le Président Villalobos de l'honneur qu'ils me 
font en me p ermettant aujourd'hui d'être présentateur de l'examen de politique commerciale du 
Ghana. Je mesure l'importance des EPC. Ils sont un élément central pour le bon fonctionnement du 
système commercial multilatéral en renforçant la transparence et la bonne mis e en œuvre des règles 
de l'OMC.  
3.3.  Monsieur le Ministre, avant d'entrer dans le vif du sujet, il me semble important de rappeler à 
notre assemblée quelques points constitutifs de l'histoire du Ghana. En 1957, le Ghana est le premier 
pays d'Afrique subsaharie nne à conquérir son indépendance. Depuis 30  ans et l'adoption de la 
Constitution de 1992, le Ghana bénéficie d'un régime démocratique et d'une stabilité politique. 
Aujourd'hui, il est reconnu pour son exemplarité démocratique, son pluralisme politique paci fié, son 
système judiciaire indépendant et la liberté d’expression dont jouit la presse. Enfin, le Ghana est 
membre du GATT depuis 1957 et membre fondateur de l'OMC en 1995.  
3.4.  Monsieur le Ministre, dans les propos qui vont suivre, j'essaierai d'abord de mett re en évidence 
les évolutions économiques les plus marquantes depuis le précédent EPC du Ghana en mai  2014, 
avant d'insister sur l'intégration régionale puis sur les principales questions que vous ont adressées 
les Membres.  
3.5.  Le Ghana possède une économie d ynamique. Avec un PIB de 67  milliards d'USD en 2020, le 
pays est la deuxième économie d'Afrique de l'Ouest, après le Nigéria. Bien doté en ressources 
naturelles, le Ghana est le deuxième producteur de cacao au monde et le premier producteur d'or 
en Afrique . Le pays exporte également du pétrole brut depuis une dizaine d'années et a commencé 
une production de gaz naturel. Cette force en ressources naturelles à une contrepartie: la 
dépendance aux cours internationaux de ces matières premières.  
3.6.  Depuis 2014, le changement de gouvernement en 2017 a marqué un premier profond tournant. 
Les réformes structurelles qu'il a entamées, via des programmes comme "Ghana Beyond Aid", 
permettent de poursuivre l'industrialisation du pays, de diversifier sa base d'exportations et de 
formaliser le secteur informel. J'aimerais saluer la lutte qu'ont menée les autorités contre le 
blanchiment des capitaux et le financement du terrorisme, permettant au Ghana de sortir de la "liste 
grise" du Groupe d'Action Financière I nternationale (GAFI). En outre, le Gouvernement s'est attelé 
à assainir le secteur bancaire, via des réformes en matière de supervision financière telles qu’une 
augmentation des fonds propres requis pour les banques locales et l'adoption d'un cadre de 
supervision plus exigeant par la Banque centrale du Ghana. Ces mesures ont contribué à plus que 
doubler la croissance, celle -ci s'établissant à près de 7% en moyenne entre 2017 et 2019, quand 
elle était inférieure à 3% entre 2014 et 2016, le tout avec une infl ation maitrisée. Selon le classement 
de la Banque Mondiale, le Ghana est passé d'une économie à faible revenu à une économie à revenu 
intermédiaire de la tranche inférieure.  
3.7.  En 2020, le Ghana a connu avec le COVID, comme partout ailleurs, une rupture majeu re. Si le 
Ghana est l'un des seuls pays à avoir conservé une évolution positive de son PIB, la crise sanitaire 
a eu de sévères répercussions sur sa croissance qui est passée de 6,5% en 2019 à 0,4% en 2020. 
La pandémie et la rareté de certaines denrées alim entaires ont engendré une brusque poussée de 
l'inflation, qui ne cesse de croitre depuis.  
3.8.  Cependant, la réponse des autorités ghanéennes a permis d'endiguer la propagation du virus, 
et d'en atténuer les conséquences socio -économiques. Le Ghana a été le pre mier pays au monde à 
bénéficier de doses de vaccin dans le cadre du mécanisme COVAX. Plus de la moitié de la population 
est aujourd'hui vaccinée. En février dernier, le Président du Ghana S.E.  Nana Addo 
Dankwa  Akufo -Addo participait au lancement d'un proje t de réseau de production décentralisée de 
vaccins fondés sur l'ARNm au Rwanda, au Sénégal et au Ghana, dans le cadre d'un projet soutenu 
par l'UE.  
3.9.  Outre les dépenses de santé, l'Etat a financé des programmes de soutien au secteur privé, tels 
que le plan "Ghana CARES", prévu pour déployer 13  milliards  d'USD sur quatre ans. Si à court terme, WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  ces plans ont assuré une relance budgétaire, ils ont également été conçus pour pallier durablement 
les faiblesses que la crise a mises en lumière: diversification des p roductions agroalimentaires et 
industrielles pour être moins dépendant des importations ; investissement important dans des piliers 
porteurs de modernité, tels que les technologies de l'information et de la communication. En plus 
d'accroitre la productivit é et de créer des emplois, une plus forte inclusion numérique présente des 
leviers pour adresser des problèmes de longue date au Ghana: l'introduction de la taxe sur les 
paiements par voie télématique permettra, par exemple, un élargissement de la base fis cale et un 
recouvrement des impôts plus efficace.  
3.10.  Je ne doute pas que ces réformes ambitieuses porteront leurs fruits, dont les premiers effets 
sont déjà visibles. Après une croissance remarquable de 4,5% en 2021, les prévisions de la Banque 
Mondiale table nt sur une hausse de 5,5% pour 2022, témoignant d'une reprise dynamique.  
3.11.  Néanmoins, comme le rappelle le FMI, il conviendra d'être très vigilant sur la trajectoire de la 
dette publique. Le Ghana fait face, comme beaucoup d'autres pays après la pandémie confrontés à 
la hausse des dépenses et à la baisse des recettes pendant celle -ci, à un enjeu accru de soutenabilité 
de sa dette publique et au risque de surendettement. La détérioration de la situation budgétaire 
risque d'entrainer une dégradation  de la confiance des marchés financiers dans la dette ghanéenne, 
une dépréciation consécutive du Cedi et des pressions inflationnistes, déjà exacerbées depuis le 
début de la guerre en Ukraine. La voie tracée par le Gouvernement dans son budget pour 2022, 
avec la réduction progressive des dépenses liées au COVID et à l'introduction de la taxe électronique 
"E-levy" pour améliorer les recettes fiscales, va toutefois dans la bonne direction.  
3.12.  J'en viens au second point de mon propos, l'engagement résolu du Ghana  dans la coopération 
et l'intégration économiques régionales.  
3.13.  L'investissement du Ghana s'est notamment accru au sein de la Communauté Economique 
des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEDEAO), dont il préside actuellement le sommet des chefs d'Etat. 
L'Etat a  commencé à aligner ses politiques sur celles adoptées au niveau régional. La libre -circulation 
et le droit d'établissement des ressortissants de la CEDEAO au Ghana sont garantis. Le 
Gouvernement applique également le tarif extérieur commun de la CEDEAO de puis 2016. En outre, 
grâce à l'aide de la Commission de la CEDEAO, des postes de frontières communs ont été construits 
aux portes du Togo et de la Côte  d'Ivoire, afin de faciliter les échanges régionaux. Mais les échanges 
régionaux du Ghana restent faibles , probablement aussi en raison des disparités dans l'application 
du schéma de libéralisation au sein de la CEDEAO.  
3.14.  L'Accord de Partenariat Economique conclu entre la CEDEAO et l'UE en 2014 pourrait aider à 
donner une nouvelle impulsion à l'intégration rég ionale. Il n'est malheureusement toujours pas entré 
en vigueur en raison du blocage persistant d'un membre de la CEDEAO. Dans l'attente de cette 
entrée en vigueur, le Ghana a signé en 2016 un APE intérimaire avec l'UE dont les éléments relatifs 
à la libéra lisation tarifaire sont en cours de mise en œuvre depuis l'été 2021.  
3.15.  Enfin, à l'échelle continentale, le Ghana a joué un rôle actif dans le lancement de la Zone de 
libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), dont il accueille le Secrétariat à Accra dep uis 2020. 
Les échanges dans ce cadre ont débuté au 1er janvier  2021 pour les 42  pays ayant ratifié le traité, 
dont le Ghana.  
3.16.  Monsieur le Ministre, en tant que délégué d'un Etat membre de l'Union  européenne, je ne 
peux que vous encourager à poursuivre dans  la voie de l'intégration économique régionale, facteur 
de paix et prospérité à travers le renforcement des échanges et la constitution progressive d'un 
grand marché intérieur. Pour reprendre les mots du Président  Nkrumah, un des pères du 
panafricanisme: " Divisés nous sommes faibles. Unie, l'Afrique pourrait devenir, et pour de bon, une 
des plus grandes forces de ce monde".  
3.17.  J'aimerais enfin, Monsieur le Ministre, insister plus particulièrement sur certains points relevés 
par les Membres de l'OMC, à travers plus de 190  questions.  
3.18.  S'agissant de nos activités, ici, à l'OMC, je souhaite particulièrement féliciter le Ghana pour 
sa mise en œuvre exemplaire de l'Accord de facilitation des Échanges, qu'il a ratifié dès 2017. L'État 
a depuis simplifié ses procédures d'importation, en réduisant à trois le nombre d'organismes menant 
des inspections. Le Gouvernement a également lancé en 2020 un nouveau système de gestion WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  douanière dématérialisée et de guichet unique à la frontière, aujourd'hui déployé dans plus de 
150 ports, aéroports et frontières terrestres.  
3.19.  L'engagement du Ghana dans la vie de l'OMC est également très apprécié par les Membres, 
qui l'ont invité à rejoindre l'Accord plurilatéral sur les marchés publics, le nombre de marchés passés 
par l'État ayant consid érablement augmenté.  
3.20.  Toutefois, nos collègues ont fait part d'un certain nombre de préoccupations, que je me dois 
de relayer. Le Ghana a accumulé un retard important dans la présentation de ses notifications, qu'il 
n'a pas réussi à rattraper depuis son der nier EPC. Je sais combien ce dispositif de transparence peut 
être contraignant pour les pays en développement, mais il n'en reste pas moins essentiel au 
fonctionnement de cette Organisation. A ce titre, j'encourage le Ghana à s'appuyer sur l'assistance 
technique fournie par le Secrétariat.  
3.21.  Par ailleurs, la complexité de la structure tarifaire du Ghana, déjà signalée en 2014, est une 
source d'inquiétude récurrente. Il sera intéressant d'obtenir des informations à ce sujet durant l'EPC, 
pour apporter davantag e de visibilité aux entreprises étrangères. En outre, le nombre de taxes et 
prélèvements aux importations aurait augmenté depuis le dernier examen.  
3.22.  Enfin, même si, de manière générale, l'investissement étranger est bienvenu au Ghana, le 
gouvernement a int roduit de nouvelles obligations concernant la participation ghanéenne au capital, 
notamment dans le secteur de l'énergie et de l'exploitation minière. Ces nouvelles exigences ont 
inquiété les Membres et pourraient freiner l'investissement étranger. Je souh aite attirer l'attention 
du Ghana sur le caractère potentiellement contre -productif de telles mesures alors même que le 
Gouvernement cherche en parallèle à promouvoir les énergies renouvelables.  
3.23.  Avant de conclure, j'aimerais remercier le Secrétariat de l'O MC et les équipes de l'OEPC pour 
l'important travail qu'ils ont réalisé dans les conditions difficiles que nous connaissons depuis le 
début de la crise sanitaire. Sans eux, les EPC perdraient beaucoup de leur intérêt et de leur utilité.  
3.24.  Monsieur le Présid ent, Monsieur le Ministre, j'appelle de mes vœux un débat riche et 
constructif et me réjouis d'avance des échanges à venir.  
  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
ICELAND  
4.1.  It is with pleasure that Iceland welcomes the distinguished delegation of Ghana  led by Deputy 
Minist er 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 actions 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 requir e 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 th e pandemic have had a 
disproportionately adverse 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 Ukrainian women. And according to 
Oxfam – women in developing countries will bear the brunt of the loom ing 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 contribute 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 respective experiences relating to 
those policies and programs.   
4.8.  In the spirit of su pporting 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 g ender -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 Ghana every success in their Trade Policy 
Review.  
CANADA  
4.10.  Canada joins other WT O 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. Canad a 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 general ly 
liberal trade regime, strong democratic institutions and good governance, which have contributed to WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  attracting foreign investment and driving economic growth. I was pleased 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 reducing cost and time of doing business.  
4.13.  That said, I noted Ghana 's new restrictions on for eign 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 sound 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 ef forts to further diversify its economy to promote 
economic growth. Canada supports the export development and diversification strategy developed 
by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority as a step in the right direction that will ultimately benefit 
the citiz ens 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 steps 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 part of being a WTO Member. It helps all Members inform their 
stakeholders about the polic ies 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 engage 
in the work of the informal working group on gender and to join the Trade and Enviro nmental 
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 appreciation to the di scussant, 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 looki ng 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 export of raw 
materials to a va lue-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 t he 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, despite 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 such 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 Econ omic 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 trade and investment. In this WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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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 devel opment 
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 barriers 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 positively for 
the UN General As sembly 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 sector takes advantage of th e 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 environment for attracting 
privat e 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 been 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 disincentive against attracting more fore ign 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 help 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 Review.   
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 d rivers for West  Africa.   
4.30.  The US Government recognizes Ghan a's continued efforts to improve the private sector 's 
ability to fully participate in international trade and implement its WTO commitments. Over the past 
five years, the US Government has partnere d with Ghana to administer over USD 15 million towards WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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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 Opportun ity 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 w ill 
deliver meaningful results over the next five years.  The Prosper Africa Trade and Investment Activity 
will accelerate business partnership development; help businesses export through AGOA; and help 
the Accra -based Africa Continental Free Trade Agreeme nt Secretariat stimulate trade and investment 
throughout the continent. USAID will also facilitate finance for agribusinesses 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 Barriers 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 other 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 pharmace uticals. 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 what provisions were made to allow for those standards.  
4.36.  The United  States encourages Ghana to become more active in the WTO Committee o n Trade 
Facilitation and to share its national experiences as part of its ongoing efforts to build national 
capacity among its technical agencies. We invite Ghana to make its technical assistance needs known 
to the Trade Facilitation Committee to ensure do nors are fully aware of its needs.   
4.37.  Finally, the United  States would like to note that 35 WTO Members participated in the WTO 
Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) as observers, including Côte d 'Ivoire and Cameroon. 
We highly encourage Ghana to also j oin 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 reformer s 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 welc ome to the delegation from Ghana, led by 
Mr Herbert  Krapa, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Singapore would like to 
express our appreciation to Ghana for its comprehensive government Report and statement. We 
would also like to thank t he Chair Ambassador Ángel  Villalobos (Mexico), discussant Ambassador 
Etienne  Oudot De Dainville (France), and the Secretariat for your valuable insights. Let me make 
three points.  
4.40.  First, we look forward to further expand Singapore 's economic cooperation w ith Ghana. 
Despite the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, Ghana was Singapore 's sixth largest trading partner WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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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 communications and 
technology  (ICT), oil and gas, hospitality, and urban solutions. We commend Ghana 's pursuit of 
inclusive and sustain able economic growth and look forward to pursue closer partnerships in new 
areas such as the green and digital economy. Given its political stability and the widespread use of 
English as a working language, Ghana is well positioned as a gate -way for Singap ore 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 diversi fication, 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. We also urge Ghana to participate in the Joint Statement 
Initiatives that have been launched by WTO Members. We note that Ghana had ratified the 
Agreem ent 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 fo rward 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 delegat ion of Ghana, led by Deputy Minister 
H.E. Mr  Herbert  Krapa, and appreciate s the Government of Ghana and the WTO  Secretariat for the 
preparation of the Reports . China would also like express gratitude to th e discussant Ambassador 
Etienne Oudot De  Dainville for his insightful remarks . 
4.45.  Ghana has achieved a positive economic performance over the review period with a strong 
GDP growth  despite th e worldwide COVID -19 related lock downs, closure of business , and borders . 
The ranking of Ghana  by the  World  Bank has been proved with a per capita growth  of USD 200 from 
2014 to 2020 . Ghana has experienced a remarkable growth in its trading services benefiting from 
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 continued support of the rule s-based multilateral trading. China 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 trying to fulfil relevant 
notifications and obligations since the last Review . 
4.47.  China notes that as a member of ACP and African Group, Ghana has a strong willingness to 
promoting the world  functioning of the multilateral trading  system  and deliver development 
outcomes by supporting the negotiatio ns and also conclusions of the trade and health agreement as  
response to the COVID -19 and also urge Members to conclude an Agreement on Fisheries  Subsidies , 
as well as expedited trade reforms of WTO, with efforts devoted by all Members, including Ghana, 
we finally made it  happen last week with a successful MC12.  
4.48.  China  values the bilateral trade relations with Ghana, tr ade between the two countries is  
developing rapidly . In 2019 the bilateral trade volume between China and Ghana reached WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  USD 7.46 billion recording a year -on-year growth of  2.9%. China's  exports to Ghana reached 
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 8.7 billion  in 2014  to USD 2.8 billion in 2019 that being of petroleum 
oils and manganese ores.  
4.49.  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 our cooperation with  Ghana in these coming years.  
4.50.  As the Report has pointed out, Ghana has also faced certain challenges ove r the review period, 
Ghana still has recorded a fiscal deficit and public debt to the detriment of economic stabilization. 
The unprecedented impact imposed by COVID -19 led to the suspension of the fiscal respons ibility 
rules.  Ghana has made progress in undertaking reforms to reform  for overcome these challenges, 
includin g pursuing medium -term debt strategy . 
4.51.  China appreciates Ghana's commitment to the agenda of trade liberalization and domestic 
competitiveness.  We remain commit ted to working closely with Ghana in all areas , both bilaterally 
and multilaterally . 
4.52.  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 regu lations related to 
airline business ; import prohibitions on environmental ground; etc.  
4.53.  We would like to thank the delegation of Ghana in advance for their response s to our questions 
and wish Ghana  a successful Trade P olicy Review . 
JAPAN  
4.54.  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 revi ew 
process, and the discussant, Mr  Etienne  Oudot De  Dainville, Permanent Representative of France, 
for his insightful remarks.  
4.55.  We are pleased to note that Ghana has achieved economic growth since the last Review 
in 2014 by maintaining a free and open marke t. However, since the outbreak of the COVID -19 
pandemic, while record fiscal 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 cont inue through the development of its business and investment environment, and 
improvement of its financial situation.  
4.56.  With respect to our bilateral relationship, we are pleased to say that Japan and Ghana have 
developed a friendly and cooperative relationsh ip over a long period of time. On trade and 
investment, we recognize and value 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) secr etariat 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 re gion as well as in Ghana. At the same 
time, we expect Ghana to further improve 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.  
4.57.  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 multi lateral 
trading system with the WTO at its core.  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  4.58.  Finally, we highly appreciate Ghana 's current efforts to diversify its economy through the 
modernization and industrialization of agriculture under its economic policy "Ghana Beyond Aid", 
envisioned by Pres ident Akufo -Addo. To promote these efforts, Japan would like to continue to 
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.  
4.59.  Last but not least, we wish the delegation of Ghana a very successful and fruitful Trade Policy 
Review.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.60.  On behalf of Her  Majesty 's Government, I am pleased to welcome the delegation of Ghana, 
represented by Hi s Excellency, the Honourable Herbert  Krapa, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of 
Trade and Industry of Ghana to this, Ghana 's fifth Trade Policy Review.  
4.61.  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.   
4.62.  At the outset, the United  Kingdom wishes 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.  
4.63.  Ghana is a key partner for the United  Kingdom. Trade between our economies grew by 9% 
in 2021 (compared to 2020), which indicates a positive post COVID -19 pandemic recovery of our 
tradin g relations. The pandemic has underscored the importance of the WTO and rules-based 
multilateral trading system in addressing the biggest issues of our time. As such, the UK commends 
Ghana 's response to the pandemic and implementation of policies to cope w ith its subsequent 
socio-economic impacts.  
4.64.  The United  Kingdom was glad to recently host the UK -Ghana Business Council, a government 
forum which we have been jointly running since 2018. We look forward to further deepening our 
trade ties, building on the fo undations 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.  
4.65.  Ghana has strengthened its role in the region and ac ross 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 a nd in supporting African countries in their post -pandemic recovery.  
4.66.  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 
Agreem ent. We thank Ghana for their inspiring report on the successes of their 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 anniversar y next week.  
4.67.  In addition, during the review period, Ghana 's government procurement regime underwent 
numerous positive developments, including introducing e -procurement and assigning sustainable 
public procurement as a government priority. The UK recommend s that Ghana now moves forward 
with its accession to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement to improve the openness of 
its government procurement regime.  
4.68.  The UK are supporters of, and investors in, Ghana 's sustainable and inclusive development. 
In ou r advanced written questions, we stressed two additional issues crucial to double -down their 
efforts and opportunities on these. Firstly, on the share of exports of unprocessed commodities, WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  which has unfortunately increased over the review period, rather t han 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 p ort, despite the introduction of the Integrated Customs Management 
System.  
4.69.  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), th e 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 ai ms. The United  Kingdom looks forward to the continued work on this 
agenda and progress in these areas.  
4.70.  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 a nd attract greater activity and investment amongst the private 
sectors.  
4.71.  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 involved have a clear 
strategy offering cohesive trade and investment incentives to make it simpler for business.  
4.72.  More broadly at the WTO, the UK greatly appreciates Ghana 's continue d support for the WTO 
and particularly for the multilateral outcomes we collectively achieved at MC12, including the Trade 
and Health Initiative. As the Ministerial Outcome Document clearly demonstrates, climate change 
and the environment represent critica l issue which we must work in concert on. The UK would 
welcome Ghana 's additional 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.  
4.73.  In conclusion, the United  Kingdom commends Ghana for the po sitive changes it has made to 
its trade policy since its last review, 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 th ey will positively consider Members ' suggestions to achieve its 
goals for further economic development. We wish them a fruitful f ifth Trade Policy Review.  
COLOMBIA  
4.74.  Saludamos atentamente a la delegación de Ghana, encabezada por el Viceministro de 
Comercio Exterior, Herbert  Krapa, a  al Representante Permanente de la Misión de Ghana, Akosua 
Okyere -Badoo, así como a nuestros colegas y amigos de esta delegación.  
4.75.  De igual manera, exaltamos el detalla do análisis y comentarios presentados por el 
Representante  Permanente de Francia ante la OMC, Etienne Oudot De Dainville como ponente, así 
como el trabajo realizado por la Secretaría de la OMC y las autoridades de Ghana en la elaboración 
de los informes de  este examen de política comercial.  
4.76.  Así mismo, queremos agradecer a Ghana por su disposición para responder las preguntas que 
le formuló Colombia en el marco de este ejercicio. Las preguntas versan sobre temas muy variados, 
pasando por los procedimientos a duaneros y de valoración en aduana, la política fiscal, los remedios 
comerciales, hasta medidas en materia de propiedad intelectual, y la implementación de una política 
pública en materia de transformación industrial.  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  4.77.  Colombia y Ghana establecieron relaci ones diplomáticas hace varias décadas, y comparten 
muchos elementos socio culturales y económicos pues, al igual que nosotros, son productores y 
exportadores de alimentos al mundo, siendo el cacao un producto también protagonista dentro de 
su producción. D e igual forma, la minería juega un rol bastante importante en Ghana, al igual que 
en Colombia, por lo que allí el intercambio de buenas prácticas puede ser permanente para avanzar 
en una explotación sostenible de nuestros recursos.  
4.78.  Ghana, además, es un pa ís que pondera la integración a través del comercio, tal y como lo 
refleja el hecho de participar en importantes escenarios tales como Comunidad Económica de los 
Estados de África Occidental (CEDEAO) y la Zona de Libre Comercio Continental Africana (AFCFTA ). 
con quienes celebra consultas sobre las cuestiones relacionadas con la OMC. Además, firmó tratados 
comerciales bilaterales con la Unión Europea (AAE) en 2016 y el Reino  Unido en 2021.  
4.79.  Como miembro de la CEDEAO, Ghana aplica el Arancel Exterior Común (A EC) desde el 
1 de febrero de 2016, con excepciones nacionales previstas en las disposiciones regionales. No 
obstante, ha tardado en incorporar y aplicar la legislación subsidiaria de la CEDEAO  
4.80.  Ghana es un actor dinámico en la OMC pues participa de las dis cusiones que acá tienen lugar, 
a menudo desde los grupos a los que pertenece como lo son el Grupo ACP o el Grupo Africano. En 
el marco de la pasada CM12, como es bien sabido por todos, se desarrollaron discusiones de alto 
calado para toda la membresía, sen sibles para países con la matriz productiva como la de Ghana y 
Colombia, por lo que esperamos continuar teniendo puentes reales y certeros en den soluciones 
reales a todos los Miembros por igual. También, como parte de ACP, fue una firme defensora de un 
acuerdo que busca limitar y reducir el uso de las subvenciones distorsionantes a la agricultura a la 
pesca, en coincidencia con Colombia.  
4.81.  En este orden de ideas, reconocemos el compromiso de este Miembro con el sistema 
multilateral de comercio y sus princip ios fundamentales. Reconocemos y valoramos también su 
activa participación en las negociaciones en curso y en el funcionamiento de los Órganos Ordinarios.  
4.82.  Las relaciones comerciales de Colombia y Ghana, si bien no son de gran magnitud, son 
importantes. La s exportaciones de Colombia a Ghana se centran en bombas para líquidos, azúcares 
de caña, artículos de confitería, productos de panadería , y herramientas agrícolas ; mientras que las 
importaciones hacia Colombia desde Ghana se centran en plomo en bruto, at ún, hojas para chapado , 
y cacao en polvo. Así, encontramos que tenemos un camino por recorrer para seguir profundizando 
nuestra relación con este importante país.   
4.83.  Así mismo, los recientes encuentros de Ghana con Colombia nos han llevado a contraer varios 
acuerdos en materia de cooperación, tales como el acuerdo de cooperación sobre Prevención del 
Consumo de Drogas Ilícitas y la Lucha Contra el Tráfico Ilícito de Sustancias Psicotrópicas, 
precursores químicos y delitos conexos; y el memorando de Entendimien to entre Coldeportes y el 
Ministerio de la Juventud y Deportes de Ghana. Suscrito en octubre  de 2015. Estos son reflejo de la 
dinámica que han tenido nuestras relaciones.  
4.84.  Para concluir, quisiera señalar que esta Organización ha recibido un mandato contunde nte 
por parte de sus Miembros de continuar con sus importantes acciones, tal y como lo evidenció la 
pasada CM12. Así, exaltamos el rol de Ghana, y de todos los Miembros, en los temas que en esta 
exitosa Conferencia Ministerial fueron cerrados, y abogamos por continuar con el trabajo de 
fortalecer el multilateralismo como herramienta de entendimiento y cooperación.  
4.85.  Cierro deseándole a Ghana y a su delegación un exitoso examen de sus políticas comerciales. 
Extendemos un cordial reconocimiento al equ ipo en Ginebra por la relación de cooperación entre 
nuestras dos Misiones, y reitero a la delegación de Ghana en Ginebra, nuestro permanente apoyo 
en sus labores.  
BRAZIL  
4.86.  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 mult ilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  4.87.  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 (Mexico), and 
the discussant, Ambassador Etienne  Oudot De Dainville (France), for their contribution to this crucial 
exercise on transparency.  
4.88.  Ghana is a major trade partner of Brazil in Africa. Trade flows between Brazil and Ghana 
increased by more than half between 2020 and 2021. We are proud to supply Ghana wit h 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 with 
their world -famous cacao. Investment is another rel evant area of our relationship, especially in the 
construction and agriculture sectors.  
4.89.  In both trade and investment, Brazil wants to build upon our current partnership with Ghana 
and fulfil our potential to go even further. We see a broad range of opport unities that we have yet 
to harness, especially in the construction and car industries.  
4.90.  We also have a specific interest to expand our role as a trustworthy supplier of food to 
consumers in Ghana. In this 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.  
4.91.  Throughout the review period, Ghana has been an example of fiscal discipline a nd 
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.  
4.92.  Let me conclude, by wishing Ghan a a very successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.93.  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.  
4.94.  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.  
4.95.  We also thank H.E.  Mr Etienne  Oudot De Dainville, Permanent Representative of France for 
his insightful remarks as discussant for this TPR.  
4.96.  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 up on. Having a pre -COVID growth 
of 7%, according to World  Bank estimates, the projected percentage for 2022 is expected at 5.5 %. 
4.97.  Ghana has maintained over time the fundamentals of a growing strong economy which is 
premised on market forces and effective Gove rnment regulations. Ghana has been able to uphold 
its position as a very attractive destination for foreign investment.   
4.98.  It comes as no surprise that Ghana, being the first country to sign and ratify the AfCFTA, is 
now the host country for the newly estab lished 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 pan -Africanism.  
4.99.  We are all aware of the opportuni ties 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 sec tor, 
while taking the lead in the socio -economic transformation of the country at the same time.  
4.100.   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.  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  4.101.   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 tra de remedies to protect its 
industry against unfair trade practices.  
4.102.   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 stage and we hope that our two countries  
get the opportunity to cooperate in this field in future.  
4.103.   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) which entered into force on 
22 January  2019.   
• A Mutual Visa Exemp tion 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 MoU on Air Services signed in 2017.  
4.104.   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.  
4.105.   In conclusion, Mauritius, as a brotherly African state, would like to commend the role played 
by Ghana on the multilateral trade issues.  
4.106.    We concluded the MC12 last week and we look to the continued participation and 
commitment of Ghana both wi thin 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 Conference.  
4.107.   We wish Ghana a successful Trade Policy Review.  
JAMAICA ON BEHALF OF THE ACP GROUP  
4.108.   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.  
4.109.   The Group thanks you Chair, and the Secretariat team for the arrangements for this meeting. 
We appreciate the overview provided by our discussant, Ambassador Etienne  Oudot De Dainville, 
and thank him for setting the stage of today 's delib erations.  
4.110.   The ACP Group applauds Ghana for its resilience in the face of the economic shock caused 
by the COVID -19 pandemic. Actions taken by the Government have already showed signs of enabling 
economic recovery starting in 2021.  
4.111.   The Group notes that the  Government is pursuing an ambitious development strategy, under 
the initiative of "Ghana Beyond Aid ", that comprises two pillars: the modernization 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; WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  promote gender inclusion and income 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.  
4.112.   We commend Ghana for undertaking important reforms of its banking sector to develop a 
robust financial system that facilitates economic growth and development. The Governmen t'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 efficient manner should be  encouraged. For instance, Ghana has 
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 
payment options; thus, ex panding 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.  
4.113.   The Group takes note of Ghana 's determination to realize its d evelopment 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 front seeking to deepen partnersh ips 
through the establishment of Joint Business Councils with strategic trading partners.  
4.114.   We welcome Ghana 's National Export Development Strategy that aims to increase the 
competitiveness of Ghana 's export base. We also applaud Ghana for introducing refor ms 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 enhancing the business environment.   
4.115.   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.  
4.116.   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 trade and foreign 
investment cons titute fundamental pillars.  
INDIA  
4.117.   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 .  
4.118.   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 . 
4.119.   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.  
4.120.   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.  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  4.121.   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 resilie nt despite the 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 through agricultural modernization and 
industrialization . 
4.122.   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 delegation of Ghana and the other 162 delegations to take forward the post -MC12 work that is 
before us . I would like to congratulate the de legation of Ghana and wish them a successful T rade 
Policy Review.  
ANGOLA  
4.123.   The Angola delegation would like to fraternally congratulate Ghana for the public assessment 
of its fifth  review of trade policies and practices.  
4.124.   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.  
4.125.   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 Ghan a but rather a significant global issue.  
4.126.   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 promptly 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 institutio ns.  
4.127.   Accordingly, Ghana's economic resilience and recovery in 2021 have also been endured by 
a strategic political compromise with multilateral trade as a catalyst for development, a central WTO 
banner that we want to believe became a consensual goal reaff irmed by the MC12 recent debates 
and conclusions.  
4.128.   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 ar e still more than modest. According to the statistics for 2019, Angola 's imports 
from Ghana were only of marginal USD 165,000, while our exports to Ghana reached around 
USD 18 million but dropped more than 82% in 2020.  
4.129.   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 humble present trade bilateral status  quo. 
Consequently, the two  nations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase 
economic ties th rough accelerated trade and investment. Angola is notedly interested in leveraging 
Ghana 's mining and cocoa successful 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.  
4.130.   The Angola delegation is thankful for this opportunity to positively assess the Trade Policy 
Revie w of an old and dear African friend -country. We have appreciated your indulgence and special 
attention. Congratulations to Ghana . 
  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  CÔTE D'IVOIRE  
4.131.   La Côte  d'Ivoire souhaite la bienvenue à la délégation du Ghana pour son examen de la 
politique commerciale.  
4.132.   Le Ghana et la Côte  d'Ivoire sont deux pays frontaliers unis par la géographie, mais aussi 
par la proximité de leurs deux peuples, avec des liens séculaires et un héritage culturel en partage.  
4.133.   Les deux pays demeurent engagés pour la concrétisa tion des idéaux commun d'intégration 
africaine dont l'une des matérialisations demeurent leur communauté de destin ; et ce d'autant plus 
que le Ghana et la Côte  d'Ivoire présentent de fortes similitudes sur le plan économique, en 
particulier du point de vu e des régimes commerciaux applicables.  
4.134.   En effet, les deux pays sont tous deux membres de la CEDEAO, et à ce titre, appliquent le 
même tarif extérieur commun (TEC -CEDEAO). De plus, ils participent ensemble à la Zone de 
Libre-échange Continentale Africaine, à laquelle ils sont tous deux signataires.  
4.135.   De même, dans l'attente de la signature de l'Accord de Partenariat Economique (APE) 
régional avec l'Union  européenne, nos deux pays ont adopté des démarches similaires consistant à 
signer des APE intérimaires avec  l'UE, afin de préserver leurs accès préférentiels respectifs sur le 
marché européen. Il en va de même avec le Royaume -Uni, avec lequel nos deux pays ont également 
signé des accords de partenariat ; sans compter qu’ils sont tous deux également éligibles à l'AGOA.  
4.136.   En outre, dans le domaine de l'Agriculture, la Côte  d'Ivoire et le Ghana sont respectivement 
premier et deuxième producteurs mondiaux de cacao, avec une part cumulée de plus de 60% de la 
production mondiale. Ils constituent des membres actifs et de  poids dans les organisations 
internationales de produits de base, en l'occurrence l'Organisation Internationale du Cacao (ICCO).  
4.137.   Les deux pays entretiennent également une excellente coopération Sud -Sud dans le domaine 
du cacao qui s'est traduite par la m ise en place, en 2021, de l'Initiative Cacao 
Côte d'Ivoire -Ghana  (ICCIG) promue conjointement par les Présidents Alassane  Ouattara et 
Nana Akuffo -Addo, afin d'unir leur force et offrir aux producteurs une rémunération juste reflétant 
les efforts fournis po ur produire le cacao.  
4.138.   Fort de ces raisons, la Côte  d'Ivoire ne peut que se féliciter des progrès réalisés par le Ghana 
dans la mise en œuvre de sa politique de développement, en particulier s'agissant de sa politique 
commerciale et des politiques sectorie lles.  
4.139.   Ma délégation souligne avec intérêt les réformes structurelles engagées par le Ghana durant 
la période sous examen qui seront non seulement profitables au peuple frère du Ghana, mais auront 
sans aucun doute des répercussions positives pour l'ensembl e de la région ouest africaine.  
4.140.   La Côte  d'Ivoire note également avec satisfaction les efforts du Ghana visant la mise en 
conformité de ses mesures et pratiques commerciales, aux règles et principes qui régissent le 
système commercial multilatéral.  
4.141.   En se soumettant à cet exercice de transparence et de prévisibilité, le Ghana démontre une 
fois encore son attachement au système commercial multilatéral. Ma délégation lui souhaite plein 
succès à cet examen et l'encourage à prendre en compte les bienveillantes suggestions des 
Membres, afin de renforcer encore sa politique commerciale, au bénéfice de son peuple et de toute 
la sous -région ouest africaine.  
SÉNÉGAL  
4.142.   Nous voudrions d'abord souhaiter la bienvenue à la délégation du Ghana, dirigée par le 
Ministre adjoint du commerce extérieur. Nous remercions et félicitons le Ghana et le Secrétariat pour 
la qualité des rapports présentés.  
4.143.   Le Sénégal entretient de bonnes relations avec le Ghana et commerce avec ce pays dans le 
cadre du schéma de libéralisat ion des échanges de la CEDEAO. Nous saluons les efforts entrepris 
par le Ghana dans le cadre des travaux à l'OMC notamment au sujet de la facilitation des échanges.  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  4.144.   Le Ghana est un acteur dynamique dans la CEDEAO et en Afrique. D'ailleurs le fait qu'il ab rite 
le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf montre à suffisance la vision africaniste de ce pays. Nous encourageons 
le Secrétariat à soutenir d'avantage le Ghana pour la présentation de ses notifications en souffrance.  
4.145.   Pour terminer, nous voudrions féliciter et souh aiter plein succès au Ghana pour le présent 
examen de sa politique commerciale.  
SOUTH  AFRICA  
4.146.   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, a s well as  Mrs Akosua 
Okyere -Badoo , Deputy Permanent Representative, and h er team for the fi fth Trade Policy Rev iew. 
4.147.   We thank the Government of Ghana and the Secretariat for their detailed reports, we also 
thank H .E. Mr Etienne  Oudot De  Dainville  of France for his observations as a discuss ant. 
4.148.   South  Africa and Ghana have well established bilateral trade relations and bilateral trade 
continues to grow, in 2020 -2021, the trade volumes between Ghana and South  Africa reached just 
over ZAR  14 billion. Howe ver, 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 develop manufacturing capacities  of both our economies . 
4.149.   Our bilater al 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 business forum. South  Africa n investors continued to show confidence i n 
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 Gh ana, we are now in an even better 
position to trade with one another through the African Continent al Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).  
4.150.   We see AfCFTA as a key milestone to promote the African economic community and to realize 
the Agenda 2063  Vision of a proper ous and united Africa, and South  Africa will do all it can to ensure 
effective and efficient implementation of the AfCFTA.  
4.151.   We note the TPR of the Ghana is taking place when the world is reeling from the effects of 
the COVID -19 crisis, as highlighted by bo th reports, like  many 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 .  
4.152.   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 fram ework  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 . 
4.153.   In conclusions, we commend Ghana for the role it plays in the WTO and its active 
participation in the work of the WTO. We wish Ghana a successful Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF GHANA  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  On behalf of the Repub lic 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 that they have extended to Ghana over the last three  days.  
5.2.  Trade Po licy Reviews tend be onerous for developing country delegations, in view of the 
extensive preparatory processes that they have to go through. However, the support that we have 
received from the Secretariat and Members alike, is what has brought us to the e nd of this process. 
In all, 189  written questions were received from 10  Members; while 17  Members took to the floor 
to comment on various issues. This is a demonstration 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 that will enhance the implementation of Ghana 's trade policy.  
5.3.  At this juncture, I would like to addr ess some of the salient issues raised by Members under 
the following four main thematic areas:  
• 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 Ghanaian economy. This 
has been anchored on the Government 's vision of an optimistic, self -confiden t and prosperous 
nation, through the creative exploitation of our human and natural resources, and operating within 
a democratic, open and fair society in which mutual trust and economic opportunities exist for all.  
5.5.  The four  key goals being pursued, in th is regard, are: to build a prosperous country; create 
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 
optim izing the key sources of growth in the economy  and enhancing a competitive and enabling 
business environment so as to engender a strong and resilient economy that is capable of 
withstanding internal and external shocks. Creating opportunities for all entai ls enhancing the 
preparedness of the population to take advantage 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 as to the economic challenges facing 
our country today. How to ease the sufferings of Ghanaians, transform the economy to create jobs 
and spread  wealth across all households, is of utmost importance to the Government. Ho w 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 nex us of trade, investment, industrial , and 
agricultural 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 the mediu m-term is 
twofold: to control expenditure and to raise more revenues domestically. The Fiscal consolidation 
programme focus on expenditure rationalisation, enforcing commitment control mechanisms, 
increasing domestic revenue mobili zation as well as reducin g borrowing to promote fiscal and debt 
sustainability.  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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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 o f the 
Ghana  CARES Programme is to support the private sector to become a powerful engine for job 
creation in Ghana by providing support to the private sector in targeted sectors to accelerate 
competitive import substitution and export expansion in light ma nufacturing; and by optimizing 
implementation of Government economic flagships and key programmes.  
5.9.  Government 's initiatives to accelerate industriali zation and boost manufacturing capabilities 
under the Ghana  CARES programme includes:  
• 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 su pport our industrialization, as well as 
supporting entrepreneurs 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 Republic 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 t he 
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 awar e 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 MSM Es contribute about 70% of Ghana 's GDP 
accounting for about 92% 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 progra mmes, 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 fin ance, capacity -building on enhancing productivity, and 
markets 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 Pro gramme Business Support Scheme (CAPBUSS) funds to over 300,000  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 consultatio ns have been held with various stakeholders. The views and comments 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 als o set up an Investor Aftercare Division to assist investors who 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 developed a WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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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, Departmen ts 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 Consultati on 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 to 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 overlap ping 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 m ultiple 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 examin ation 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 meas ures to diversify and 
improve domestic taxes introduced new tax policy initiatives and aggressive 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 co mpliance 
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 to 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/W/212  
 
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  Export su pport and Promotion  
5.24.  The Government , through the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is currently working 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 Transforma tion 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 
subseque ntly contribute towards creating employment opportunities, expanding its production base 
and attracting FDIs into the country. The SEZ policy being formulated will also provide a broad 
framework for Government on improving the regulatory environment for th e 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 meant 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 dema nds of value -added agricultural products. 
Consequently, the Bank provides credit facilities to applicants operating in the agriculture sector who 
meet the Bank's eligibility requirements.  
Measures affecting promotion and trade  
5.28.  The Government takes cognizan ce of the importance of a robust quality infrastructure for 
building a competitive trade and industrial 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 
implementation 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 doing 
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 s afety 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 r esponsible for the development of standards in their respective fields.  
5.31.  For the automotive industry, 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 may 
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/W/212  
 
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  profitable operations of specified entities. This, SIGA does throu gh its performance monitoring and 
contract systems as provided for in the Public Financial Management 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 corporat e 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 effect ive 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 20 20. 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 s ervices, contract underground 
mining services, contract underground drilling operations, 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 done so on the back of industrialization. 
In order to achieve rapid economic growth, create significant job oppor tunities 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, livelihoods 
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 to 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 privat e sector investments.  
5.38.   Building local capacity for the sustainable long -term development of the Automotive Industry 
is also a key priority of Government. In this regard, the Ministry of Trade and Industry will complete 
the establishment of an Automotive De velopment Support Centre in 2022 to promote innovative 
vehicle financing, regulate vehicle standards, and facilitate the domestication of the industry through 
the local manufacture of components, parts and accessories by SMEs to supply local assemblers.    WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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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 notification mechanism that would facilitate the effective 
transmittal of notifications to the WTO Secretari at. 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-institutio nal 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 grateful 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.  In conclusion, 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 say a very big thank you to you as well.  
5.42.  Now to all Members of the WTO and staff of the Secretariat, we are certainly indebted to you 
for your generous support. And last but not the least, I wish to thank all members of the Ghana 
delegation for working tirelessly in support of Ghana 's Review.   
PRÉSENTATEUR  
5.43.  Monsieur le Ministre, j'aimerais vous remercier pour les premières réponses apportées aux 
Membres, concluant cet examen de politique commerciale constructif et fructueux.  
5.44.  De cet exercice, je retiendrai tout d'abord que le Ghana est une économie prometteuse en 
Afrique subsaharienne, de par son exploitation intelligente de ses nombreuses ressources naturelles, 
mais surtout, grâce à sa stabilité démocratique, l'indépendance de  sa justice et la liberté de sa 
presse.  
5.45.  Outre ces atouts de longue date du Ghana, je tiens à me joindre à nos collègues pour saluer 
la réponse pertinente de votre gouvernement à la pandémie. Saisir l'occasion offerte par la crise 
pour renforcer et diversif ier la structure de l'économie permettra, je le crois, d'améliorer et 
consolider le statut de pays à revenu intermédiaire, à condition de rester vigilant sur la soutenabilité 
de la dette publique.  
5.46.  Par ailleurs, des interventions des Membres se dégage un co nsensus quant à votre mise en 
œuvre remarquable de l'Accord de Facilitation des Echanges de l'OMC, dont la création d'un système 
de gestion douanière dématérialisée n'est qu'un exemple parmi tant d'autres.  
5.47.  Toutefois, Monsieur le Ministre, les Membres ont e xprimé diverses inquiétudes, dont je dois 
dire que plusieurs d'entre elles étaient déjà présentes lors du dernier EPC en 2014, engendrant donc 
une forte attente quant à la réponse que vous y apporterez. Il semble notamment urgent que le 
Ghana présente les notifications pour lesquelles un retard a été accumulé depuis plusieurs années, 
ce pour quoi il peut solliciter l'assistance technique du Secrétariat.  
5.48.  En outre, pour que le Ghana puisse pleinement tirer profit de son insertion dans le commerce 
internationa l, les Membres ont souligné quelques axes qui permettraient d'améliorer le climat des 
affaires. Accroître la transparence de sa structure tarifaire, notamment des taxes et prélèvements 
aux importations, fait ainsi l'objet d'une demande récurrente de nos co llègues. Ils ont également 
appelé le Ghana à lever les diverses restrictions sur l'investissement étranger, telles que les 
obligations concernant la participation ghanéenne au capital des coentreprises crées par des entités 
étrangères ou dans les secteurs de l'énergie et de l'exploitation minière.  
5.49.  Plusieurs Membres ont insisté sur l'importance de l'autonomisation économique des femmes 
et la contribution des MPME à une croissance économique inclusive et durable, faisant écho au 
paragraphe  13 du document fina l de de la 12ème Conférence ministérielle de l'OMC. Dans la continuité WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  de son engagement croissant au sein de l'OMC, ils ont invité le Ghana à rejoindre les travaux de 
l'OMC sur ces sujets.  
5.50.  Enfin, l'engagement du Ghana dans l'intégration économique région ale, tant en Afrique de 
l’Ouest que dans le cadre de la Zone de libre -échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) a été 
unanimement salué. J'espère sincèrement que nous aurons l'occasion, lors de votre prochain EPC, 
d'observer la concrétisation des engagements  ambitieux qui ont été pris, et de constater une 
augmentation des échanges intra -régionaux. Pour reprendre les mots du Président  Nkrumah: "Unie, 
l'Afrique pourrait devenir, et pour de bon, une des plus grandes forces de ce monde".  
5.51.  Je ne peux conclure, bien sûr, sans remercier une nouvelle fois, en votre nom à tous, l'équipe 
du Secrétariat dont l'imposant travail a permis ces échanges fructueux ainsi que vous -même, 
Monsieur le Ministre, et l'ensemble de votre délégation pour la qualité des répo nses apportées.  
TOGO  
5.52.  Le Togo est heureux de participer, au cinquième examen de la politique commerciale du pays 
frère qu'est le Ghana, avec qui il partage une longue frontière à l 'ouest.  
5.53.  Avant toute chose, nous adressons nos chaleureuses salutations à S .E. M. Herbert  Krapa, 
Vice-Ministre du commerce et de l'industrie ainsi qu'à toute sa délégation.  
5.54.  Ma délégation à son tour félicite M . le Ministre pour sa déclaration préliminaire exhaustive sur 
l'état de l'économie ghanéenne.  Elle remercie également S.E . M. Etienne  Oudot  De Dainville, 
représentant permanent de la France, présentateur pour cette revue, pour ses commentaires et 
observations pertinents.  
5.55.  En ce qui concerne la documentation, nous apprécions hautement les rapports utiles et 
complets produits pour  cette revue par le gouvernement du Ghana et le Secrétariat de l'OMC.  
5.56.  L'agriculture et les industries extractives restent les principaux piliers de l'économie 
ghanéenne, contribuant pour environ un tiers au PIB (respectivement 20,5 % et 11,1 % en 2020).  
5.57.  L'économie du Ghana a démontré une résilience face au choc de la COVID -19 surtout dans sa 
toute première phase en 2020, avec un taux de progression du PIB de 0,4%, malgré les effets 
pervers du confinement. Cette résilience a été soutenue par des actions ciblé es mise en en œuvre 
par le gouvernement, notamment en faveur du secteur privé et des ménages.  
5.58.  En tant que pays voisin immédiat, le Togo entretient de bonnes relations commerciales avec 
le Ghana d 'où il importe divers produits dont la valeur s 'établit à 72  730 d'USD  en 2021 contre 
121 730 d'USD en 2020 en raison de la crise sanitaire qui a impacté négativement le commerce 
international (source des données ITC, trade  map). La frontière entre nos deux  pays ayant été 
fermée entre nos deux  pays pour une longue période.  
5.59.  Au niveau communautaire, le Togo partage le même espace économique régional avec le 
Ghana. L 'entrée en vigueur du tarif extérieur commun (TEC) de la CEDEAO en janvier  2015 permet 
de disposer d 'un instrument commun de politique commerciale en matiè re de taxation de produits 
tiers. 
5.60.  Afin de dynamiser et de faciliter les échanges commerciaux dans la sous -région, il a été mis 
en œuvre, en novembre  2021, un poste de contrôles juxtaposés (PCJ) à la frontière entre nos 
deux pays, à Noépé -Akanu, dédié aux o pérations de dédouanement de marchandises. L 'autoroute 
Abidjan -Lagos dont nos deux  pays concourent à la réalisation dans le cadre de la CEDEAO est 
également un outil pertinent de facilitation du commerce.  
5.61.  Il va sans dire qu 'avec des réformes solides et l'e ngagement du gouvernement, l'économie 
ghanéenne va continuer sa marche vers une transformation structurelle constante pour mettre le 
commerce au service du développement. Ce qui aura forcément un impact positif sur le commerce 
transfrontalier au profit des  population de la sous -région.  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  5.62.  Pour terminer, nous souhaitons à la délégation ghanéenne un examen de politique 
commerciale couronné de succès.  
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 with Ghana economic reform efforts towards structural transformation, 
improving regulatory frameworks, as well as economic diversification and digitization, especially 
since the last  Trade Poli cy Review in 2014. These reforms continue to improve Ghana 's economic 
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 investment, 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 commend 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 Gover nment of Ghana to continue to provide more friendly 
business environment for Nigerian businesses in Ghana.  
5.66.  Despite limited fiscal space, the Government is implementing the Ghana COVID -19 Alleviation 
and Revitalization of Enterprises Support Programme tagge d the Ghana  CARES. The Programme is 
aimed at addressing the challenges 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 in itiative that seeks to improve lives as well as food and livelihood 
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 ove rcome 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 questions and look forward for further engagement on those responses . 
5.71.  We appreciate the Deputy Minister's comments this morning on notifications, 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.  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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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 a s 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 welcomes 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 term s of Ghana'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 .  
  WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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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 remarkable 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 multilateral trad ing 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 importa nt 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 agreements 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 tariff, numero us 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. However, it wa s 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 customs proc edures, 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 acknowledged s tructural 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 regime 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 relat ed domestic content requirements; the National Export 
Development 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 Company, 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; manufacturi ng, including the 10 -Point WT/TPR/W/212  
 
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  Industrialization Agenda, import substitution 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 lice nsing, the regime on air transport services, and FDI restrictions 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.  
 
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