A team from the National African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Coordination Office, led by the National Coordinator Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of Ghana Exim Bank (GEXIM), Lawrence Agyinsam.
This follows the National AfCFTA Policy Framework and Action Plan launch at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, which outlines interventions geared toward the harmonisation of existing laws, programmes, policies and regulations to boost Ghana’s trade with Africa under the AfCFTA.
Mr. Agyinsam reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting the government of Ghana’s quest to reposition the Ghanaian economy to become an export-led one and continue serving as a catalyst in the development of Ghana’s export trade, facilitate cross-border trade and make Ghana a pillar in regional and continental trade.
He further proposed a strategic partnership between the Bank and National AfCFTA Coordination Office to see an increase in Ghanaian exports into the African continent.
“To facilitate the transformation of Ghana’s economy into an export one by supporting and developing trade between Ghana and other countries, we have over the years introduced several interventions across various sectors. We have provided funds for several companies with the intention of exporting to other African countries. It is important for us to work closely on assisting Ghanaian businesses to export significantly into the African continent,” he added.
Dr. Arthur on his part highlighted the mandate of the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, established in March 2020 under the Ministry of Trade and Industry as a central point for coordinating the Government of Ghana’s policy and strategic response to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.
According to him: “The NCO is the liaison office between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other stakeholders in Ghana and the AfCFTA Secretariat, to ensure Ghanaian businesses harness the full benefits of AfCFTA. For this reason, we welcome the call for building a strategic partnership between Ghana Exim Bank and the National AfCFTA Coordination Office”.
Other members of the GEXIM team at the meeting were Nana Akyaa Obeng-Adiyiah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer responsible for Finance and Administration; Michael Tetteh-Voetagbe, General Manager-Human Resources and Administration; Bright Evans Darko, Head-SME Banking; Frank Obeng, Assistant General Manager-Advisory Services; Judith Aikins, Head-Export Trade; Jonathan Christopher Koney, Assistant Manager-Corporate Affairs and International Cooperation; and Grace Anderson, Snr. Officer-CEO’s Secretariat.
Catherine Afeku, Head of Strategic Communications, and Dr Jacob Gyamfi, Senior Advisor, Capacity Building-National AfCFTA Coordination Office, accompanied Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur.
