Policy implementation gap undermining West African trade integration- GSA

The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has warned that the gap between regional trade policy commitments and their actual implementation continues to undermine economic integration and cross-border trade in West Africa.

Deputy Chief Executive of the Authority, Silvia Asana Dauda Owu, says businesses operating across the region continue to face multiple checkpoints, cumbersome documentation, inconsistent regulations and unofficial payments, despite commitments by governments to facilitate trade.

She believes these challenges are increasing the cost of doing business and weakening the competitiveness of regional economies.

She made the remarks at the re-launch of Borderless Alliance, a regional platform seeking to strengthen trade facilitation, promote evidence-based advocacy and advance economic integration across West Africa.

“Let us move beyond discussions on regional integration and focus on practical actions. The future of regional trade depends not only what the policies we public, but more importantly, on our commitment to implementing them”, she said.

Acting Executive Director of the Borderless Alliance Secretariat, Efua Eshun, said the Alliance would continue to champion the free movement of goods and people across the region.

The relaunch is expected to reposition the organisation as a stronger platform for engaging governments and other stakeholders on policies and interventions needed to address persistent barriers to regional trade.

As part of the event, stakeholders were also sensitised on the new National Non-Tariff Barriers Reporting and Resolution Platform.

The digital platform is expected to improve the identification, reporting and resolution of non-tariff barriers that impede cross-border trade, including cumbersome administrative procedures and regulatory challenges.

The relaunch was held under the theme, “Pioneering Digital Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration,” highlighting the role of digital solutions in improving trade processes and strengthening regional cooperation.